Rapid City vs Spearfish: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $104,103 | $148,753▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.05 | $71.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,446 | $86,277▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,320 | $107,102▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,356 | $190,403▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,860 | $230,566▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Spearfish, SD offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $44,650 (42.89%). Spearfish's median is -11.02% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $138,414,Spearfish spans $144,289. Spearfish has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spearfish ($160,294 effective) pays 37.29% more than Rapid City ($116,760 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,753/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($230,566)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,294)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Rapid City grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$79,700 (2019) → $99,430 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$96,099 (2024) → $142,075 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov