Rapid City vs Spearfish: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Rapid City, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,519▲ | $55,468 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.13▲ | $26.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,941▲ | $32,171 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,137 | $48,143▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,905▲ | $70,999 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,705▲ | $85,976 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $3,051 (5.50%). Rapid City's median is -9.31% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $56,764,Spearfish spans $53,805. Rapid City 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 ($63,059 effective) pays 5.50% more than Spearfish ($59,772 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,519/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,705)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,059)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Rapid City grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$48,815 (2024) → $57,660 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$46,270 (2024) → $54,654 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.49% 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 Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov