Huron vs Rapid City: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $120,150 | $135,081▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.77 | $64.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,194 | $100,334▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,368 | $117,103▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,867 | $150,217▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,901 | $163,194▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Rapid City is $14,931 (12.43%). Rapid City's median is -3.78% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $61,707,Rapid City spans $62,860. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($151,504 effective) pays 17.02% more than Huron ($129,472 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,194)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,504)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Huron grew 15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Huron, SD
$100,986 (2024) → $116,289 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$103,170 (2019) → $130,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Huron vs Rapid City?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov