Rapid City vs Sioux Falls: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist 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 | $56,164 | $57,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.01 | $27.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,874 | $38,542▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,823▲ | $42,645 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,164 | $57,171▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,500 | $58,274▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Sioux Falls is $1,007 (1.79%). Sioux Falls's median is -7.75% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $19,626,Sioux Falls spans $19,732. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($63,081 effective) pays 0.14% more than Rapid City ($62,992 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,274)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,081)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Rapid City grew 90.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 78.2% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$27,870 (2020) → $52,970 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$30,260 (2019) → $53,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists 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 massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Rapid City vs Sioux Falls?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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 Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov