Childcare Worker salary in Rapid City, SD
Childcare Workers in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn a median of $28,330 a year ($13.62 an hour), based on BLS data for 300 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,550 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,720 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 1% higher than the South Dakota statewide median of $27,940. There are 4.0 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $32,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Rapid City, SD
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,550 | $12.77 |
| 25th percentile | $27,290 | $13.12 |
| Median | $28,330 | $13.62 |
| 75th percentile | $37,850 | $18.20 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,720 | $19.58 |
| Average (mean) | $32,000 | $15.38 |
Half of childcare workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,360.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,180.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,089.62 |
| Weekly | $544.81 |
| Hourly | $13.62 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,330 | 280 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $28,030 | 1,140 |
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 |
| Washington | $41,680 |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 |
| Colorado | $40,750 |
| California | $40,020 |
| Oregon | $38,650 |
| Vermont | $38,030 |
| New York | $37,590 |
| New Hampshire | $37,080 |
| Hawaii | $37,030 |
See Childcare Worker pay in every state or the South Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rapid City, SD
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,530 | $22.37 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,850 | $19.16 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,740 | $14.30 |
| Animal Caretaker | $32,090 | $15.43 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $48,440 | $23.29 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,490 | $17.06 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $50,990 | $24.52 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $47,600 | $22.89 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,410 | $14.62 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Rapid City, SD
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a childcare worker make in Rapid City, SD?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Rapid City, SD metro area is $28,330 a year, or $13.62 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,550 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,720 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Rapid City, SD?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn at least $40,720 a year. The top 25% earn $37,850 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Rapid City, SD?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,550 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $27,290 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Rapid City, SD?
About 300 childcare workers are employed in the Rapid City, SD metro area, not counting the self-employed.