Rapid City vs Spearfish: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician 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 | $50,442▲ | $42,923 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.25▲ | $20.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,013▲ | $34,423 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,174▲ | $37,840 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,963▲ | $44,827 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,558▲ | $52,492 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $7,519 (17.52%). Rapid City's median is +4.57% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $23,545,Spearfish spans $18,069. Rapid City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($56,575 effective) pays 22.32% more than Spearfish ($46,253 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 ($50,442/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,558)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,575)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Rapid City grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$35,970 (2019) → $47,840 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$33,812 (2024) → $40,708 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Rapid City or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Spearfish as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Rapid City vs Spearfish?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov