Huron vs Rapid City: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Huron, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huron, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,316 | $65,306▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.04 | $31.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,914 | $47,757▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,035 | $63,103▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,855▲ | $66,634 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,586▲ | $80,041 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Rapid City is $6,990 (11.99%). Rapid City's median is -4.16% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $36,672,Rapid City spans $32,284. Huron 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 ($73,246 effective) pays 16.56% more than Huron ($62,841 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,586)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,306/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,246)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Huron grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.1% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Huron, SD
$46,214 (2024) → $55,328 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$40,200 (2019) → $61,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Huron or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huron and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Huron to Rapid City as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Huron vs Rapid City?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov