Huron vs Rapid City: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $117,533▲ | $95,437 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.51▲ | $45.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,714▲ | $66,281 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,848▲ | $80,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,739▲ | $108,294 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,943▲ | $134,114 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Huron, SD offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Huron and Rapid City is $22,096 (23.15%). Huron's median is -14.42% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $109,229,Rapid City spans $67,833. 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, Huron ($126,652 effective) pays 18.32% more than Rapid City ($107,040 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,533/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,943)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,652)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Huron grew 22.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Huron, SD
$90,716 (2024) → $111,342 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$83,880 (2019) → $90,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians 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 veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Huron vs Rapid City?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov