Pierre vs Rapid City: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $381,916 | $411,213▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $183.62 | $197.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $221,512 | $238,503▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $274,979 | $296,074▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $471,296 | $518,736▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $520,114 | $587,993▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $29,297 (7.67%). Rapid City's median is +0.51% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $298,602,Rapid City spans $349,490. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($443,117 effective) pays 7.67% more than Pierre ($411,547 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($411,213/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($587,993)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $443,117)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Pierre grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$309,513 (2024) → $365,470 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$333,256 (2024) → $393,505 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Pierre or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a anesthesiologist?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov