Rapid City vs Spearfish: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $74,517▲ | $70,632 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.82▲ | $33.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,770▲ | $45,766 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,885 | $62,147▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,772▲ | $79,017 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,670▲ | $87,932 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $3,885 (5.50%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $53,900,Spearfish spans $42,166. 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 ($80,298 effective) pays 5.50% more than Spearfish ($76,112 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 ($74,517/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,670)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,298)
- ✓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, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Rapid City grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$58,950 (2019) → $71,720 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$55,168 (2024) → $67,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Rapid City or Spearfish?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov