Brookings vs Rapid City: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Brookings, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $378,866 | $414,835▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $182.14 | $199.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $219,743 | $240,604▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $272,784 | $298,681▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $441,590 | $502,291▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $500,287 | $588,721▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Rapid City is $35,969 (9.49%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $280,544,Rapid City spans $348,117. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($447,020 effective) pays 9.49% more than Brookings ($408,261 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($414,835/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($588,721)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $447,020)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Brookings grew 18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$304,360 (2024) → $360,825 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$333,256 (2024) → $395,081 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Brookings or Rapid City?
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Should I relocate from Brookings to Rapid City as a radiologist?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov