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Average Carpenters Salary in Rapid City, SD

Carpenters in Rapid City, South Dakota, earn an average annual salary of $49,240. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,010, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific market. The prevailing wage in Rapid City reflects the unique economic landscape of the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,110.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 960 Carpenters, Rapid City exhibits a strong concentration of this trade, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.95. This suggests that Carpenters are significantly more prevalent in Rapid City compared to the national average, pointing towards a robust and established job market for skilled carpentry professionals in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,240

The average Carpenters in Rapid City, SD earns-23.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.7

Weekly

$947

Monthly

$4,103

Carpenters Salary Distribution in Rapid City, SD

Salary progression for Carpenters in Rapid City typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often seen across different pay percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,390$17
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,930$17.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,230$22.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$61,550$29.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$64,110$30.8

Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,240

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary for Carpenters in Rapid City stands at $49,240, precisely aligning with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

960

Total Jobs

13.36

Per 1K Jobs

2.95

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Rapid City, SD has 3.0x the national concentration of Carpenters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Rapid City's Carpenter job market is characterized by a high concentration, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.95. This indicates a significantly higher presence of Carpenters relative to the national average, suggesting a strong demand for their skills and potentially a competitive environment for new entrants seeking employment in this trade.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Carpenterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenters make in Rapid City, SD?

The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Rapid City, SD is $49,240. This typically ranges from $35,390 for entry-level positions to $64,110 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rapid City, SD is 23.1% lower than the national median of $64,010.

Is Rapid City, SD a lucrative place for Carpenters?

No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average Carpenter salary of $49,240 is substantially lower than the national average of $64,010. The high concentration of Carpenters suggests a competitive market.

Is Rapid City, SD a good place to live for Carpenters?

The Cost of Living Index in Rapid City, SD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of Carpenters in Rapid City compare nationally?

Rapid City has 13.36 Carpenters per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Carpenters in Rapid City?

A Location Quotient of 2.95 means Carpenters are nearly three times more concentrated in Rapid City than the national average, highlighting the importance of this trade to the local economy.

Does experience impact a Carpenter's salary in Rapid City?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Senior Carpenters with specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level workers.

How does Rapid City's cost of living affect Carpenter salaries?

Rapid City's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $49,240 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 960 employees in the Rapid City, SD area with a job density of 13.36 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Carpenters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Rapid City, SD