Electrician Hourly Pay in Rapid City, SD: $30.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Rapid City, SD runs $30.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Rapid City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,469 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, electricians in Rapid City, South Dakota, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $30.02, which is slightly below the national average of $31.02. This rate offers a solid wage for both full-time and part-time electricians, allowing individuals working three days a week to earn a commendable income while enjoying a balance between work and life. For those taking on per-diem positions in various settings—like commercial sites, residential service calls, or industrial facilities—the potential for earning additionally increases. The hourly pay range for electricians in Rapid City spans from $19.90 at the entry-level (P10) to $38.56 for the top earners (P90), reflecting the diverse skill levels and employment scenarios in this field.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.90 | $159.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.94 | $191.50 |
| Median (P50) | $30.02 | $240.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.12 | $256.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.56 | $308.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rapid City
Based on $30.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.02/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rapid City, SD can expect to earn approximately $62,448 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,028. With a cost-of-living index of 89.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rapid City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rapid City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,200.93 | $5,204 | $62,448 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $720.56 | $3,122 | $37,469 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.37 | $2,082 | $24,979 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Rapid City) | $30.02 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Solar PV Installer (National Avg) | $24.85 |
Electricians in Rapid City, SD earn a median of $62,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 4.30% above the South Dakota state average of $59,882.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.02/hr = $37,469/year (purchasing power: $42,025).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,448/year (purchasing power: $70,041).
CoL index: 89.16 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Rapid City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Rapid City grew 44.3% from $20.37/hr (2019) to $29.40/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.66/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electricians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rapid City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrician in Rapid City
For part-time electricians working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can vary significantly compared to their full-time counterparts. Those engaged in per-diem work face the possibility of lucrative pay in out-of-town assignments, where compensation ranges between $35 to $60 per hour, in addition to per-day stipends that typically fall between $80 to $150. Utility linemen involved in storm work can earn even more, sometimes receiving double-time pay along with daily per-diem rates between $300 and $500. In Rapid City, hourly rates also shift depending on the employer type; union contractors often offer premium pay with benefits, while non-union shops may present higher hourly rates without added health coverage. Electricians should carefully consider their compensation packages and prioritize negotiations that align with their needs. Whether working for IBEW-signatory contractors, self-employed, or in the renewable energy sector, understanding the nuances of electrician hourly pay in Rapid City can guide them toward choosing the right opportunities for their careers.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electricians in Rapid City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov