Recreation Worker salary in Rapid City, SD
Recreation Workers in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn a median of $39,850 a year ($19.16 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,480 for the top 10%. That is 9% higher than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 6% lower than the South Dakota statewide median of $42,270. There are 1.4 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.66). The average (mean) salary is $44,040, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Rapid City, SD
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,290 | $13.60 |
| 25th percentile | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Median | $39,850 | $19.16 |
| 75th percentile | $50,270 | $24.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $66,480 | $31.96 |
| Average (mean) | $44,040 | $21.17 |
Half of recreation 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 | $3,320.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,660.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,532.69 |
| Weekly | $766.35 |
| Hourly | $19.16 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Recreation Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $40,050 | 180 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $35,700 | 110 |
Highest-paying states for recreation workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $46,460 |
| Washington | $44,890 |
| South Dakota | $42,270 |
| Hawaii | $41,000 |
| California | $39,780 |
| Oregon | $39,610 |
| Colorado | $38,820 |
| Massachusetts | $38,540 |
| New York | $38,040 |
| Alaska | $37,510 |
See Recreation Worker pay in every state or the South Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rapid City, SD
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $28,330 | $13.62 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,530 | $22.37 |
| 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 39-9032. 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 recreation worker make in Rapid City, SD?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Rapid City, SD metro area is $39,850 a year, or $19.16 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Rapid City, SD?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn at least $66,480 a year. The top 25% earn $50,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Rapid City, SD?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,290 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $35,990 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Rapid City, SD?
About 100 recreation workers are employed in the Rapid City, SD metro area, not counting the self-employed.