Optometrist Salary
in Rapid City, SD
Examine eyes for vision problems and disease, prescribing corrective lenses and treatment. Median salary in Rapid City: $138K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Rapid City
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Key facts for Rapid City
Salary forecast: Rapid City Optometrist to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $138K by 2030.
Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide
Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template
Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates — unsubscribe anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Optometrist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Optometrist salary in Rapid City, SD is $138,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Rapid City–SD metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Salary range for Optometrist in Rapid City
Entry-level Optometrists in Rapid City with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $112,000 and $138,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $138,000 to $168,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $168,000 to $210,000 or more.
Cost of living in Rapid City for Optometrists
Rapid City has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Rapid City than the national average. Crucially, South Dakota has no state income tax — giving Rapid City-based Optometrists an immediate 3–5% take-home pay advantage over workers in states like California (9.3%) or New York (6.85%).
Education requirements for Optometrist
Doctor of Optometry (OD); state licensure. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.