Mitchell vs Rapid City: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Mitchell, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mitchell, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,779▲ | $57,257 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.78▲ | $27.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,548▲ | $40,526 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,718 | $46,524▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,958▲ | $62,845 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,557▲ | $76,326 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Mitchell, SD offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Rapid City is $522 (0.91%). Mitchell's median is -11.66% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $48,009,Rapid City spans $35,800. Mitchell 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 ($64,218 effective) pays 3.14% more than Mitchell ($62,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mitchell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,779/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,557)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,218)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Mitchell grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$51,236 (2024) → $56,359 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$43,130 (2019) → $55,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov