Rapid City vs Spearfish: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Rapid City, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,144▲ | $90,183 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.74▲ | $43.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,665▲ | $64,152 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,409 | $80,004▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,138▲ | $95,440 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,081▲ | $110,727 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $4,961 (5.50%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $61,416,Spearfish spans $46,575. Rapid City 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, Rapid City ($102,526 effective) pays 5.50% more than Spearfish ($97,180 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,144/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,081)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,526)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Rapid City grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$70,970 (2019) → $90,674 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$64,066 (2024) → $85,946 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Rapid City or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Spearfish as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Rapid City vs Spearfish?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov