Mitchell vs Rapid City: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Mitchell, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mitchell, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,749▲ | $83,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.63▲ | $40.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,676 | $68,230▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,249▲ | $72,759 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,118 | $103,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,236▲ | $103,983 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,480▲ |
Verdict
Mitchell, SD offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Rapid City is $7,154 (8.56%). Mitchell's median is -11.66% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $52,560,Rapid City spans $35,753. Mitchell has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mitchell ($97,790 effective) pays 4.30% more than Rapid City ($93,758 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mitchell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,749/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,236)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,790)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Mitchell grew 47.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$58,303 (2024) → $86,173 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$59,740 (2019) → $79,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov