Graphic Designer salary in Rapid City, SD
Graphic Designers in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn a median of $49,990 a year ($24.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,790 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 3% higher than the South Dakota statewide median of $48,390. There are 1.1 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $53,760, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Rapid City, SD
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,900 | $17.74 |
| 25th percentile | $44,300 | $21.30 |
| Median | $49,990 | $24.03 |
| 75th percentile | $64,540 | $31.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,790 | $37.40 |
| Average (mean) | $53,760 | $25.85 |
Half of graphic designers 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 | $4,165.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,082.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,922.69 |
| Weekly | $961.35 |
| Hourly | $24.03 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $50,030 | 200 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $47,270 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the South Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rapid City, SD
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,830 | $18.67 |
| Floral Designer | $33,490 | $16.10 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $31,670 | — |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $40,690 | $19.56 |
| Choreographer | $41,080 | $19.75 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $81,330 | $39.10 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $45,230 | $21.74 |
| Photographer | $39,780 | $19.13 |
| Producers and Directors | $52,680 | $25.33 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rapid City, SD
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. 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 graphic designer make in Rapid City, SD?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Rapid City, SD metro area is $49,990 a year, or $24.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,790 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Rapid City, SD?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn at least $77,790 a year. The top 25% earn $64,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Rapid City, SD?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,900 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $44,300 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Rapid City, SD?
About 80 graphic designers are employed in the Rapid City, SD metro area, not counting the self-employed.