Truck Driver Salary in Rapid City
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Rapid City, South Dakota. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,208
CDL-B Avg
$41,088
Non-CDL Avg
$42,336
Owner-Op Gross
$170,880
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Rapid City truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Rapid City
Rapid City's cost of living is 7% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$56,208
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$60,439
After adjusting for Rapid City's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $56,208 provides the same purchasing power as $60,439 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Rapid City than the raw salary suggests.
Rapid City vs South Dakota vs National Average
| Metric | Rapid City | SD Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,208 | $58,550 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,342 | ||
| vs National | $-2,502 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 88 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $60,439 | $66,534 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Rapid City
Trucking pay in Rapid City has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from tourism (black hills) and military (ellsworth afb). The South Dakota market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Rapid City?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Rapid City — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Rapid City
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Rapid City market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Rapid City
Browse CDL driver positions in Rapid City, SD from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Rapid City
What is the average truck driver salary in Rapid City, SD?
CDL-A truck drivers in Rapid City, South Dakota earn an average of $56,208 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Rapid City market is influenced by tourism (black hills) and military (ellsworth afb) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Rapid City?
Owner-operators based in Rapid City gross approximately $170,880 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $64,934 to $82,022. The Rapid City area's cost of living index of 93 is below the national average by 7%.
Is Rapid City a good city for trucking jobs?
Rapid City offers strong trucking employment thanks to its tourism (black hills) and military (ellsworth afb) sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.