Pierre vs Rapid City: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,147▲ | $66,957 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.30▲ | $32.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,445 | $66,463▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,520▲ | $66,873 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,948▲ | $117,627 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,828▲ | $124,909 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Pierre, SD offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $25,190 (37.62%). Pierre's median is -12.81% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $89,383,Rapid City spans $58,446. Pierre 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, Pierre ($99,296 effective) pays 32.22% more than Rapid City ($75,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,147/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,828)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,296)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Pierre grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -37.6% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$78,825 (2024) → $87,692 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$102,110 (2022) → $63,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Pierre or Rapid City?
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Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Pierre vs Rapid City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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 Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov