Rapid City vs Sioux Falls: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $411,213▲ | $411,047 |
| Hourly Rate | $197.70▲ | $197.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $238,503▲ | $238,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $296,074▲ | $295,953 |
| 75th Percentile | $518,736 | $526,140▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $587,993 | $608,836▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 36▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City and Sioux Falls are closely matched on overall anesthesiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Sioux Falls is $166 (0.04%). 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 Rapid City spans $349,490,Sioux Falls spans $370,429. Sioux Falls 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 0.04% more than Sioux Falls ($442,939 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 ($411,213/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $443,117)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($608,836)
- ✓Larger job market (36 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Rapid City grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$333,256 (2024) → $393,505 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$333,120 (2024) → $393,346 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Rapid City or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Sioux Falls as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Rapid City vs Sioux Falls?
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