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Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Rapid City, SD

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Rapid City, SD, earn an average annual salary of $57,190. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the South Dakota market. The total local workforce of 760 drivers contributes to this specific pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,190 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,870.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 760 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers and a Location Quotient of 0.78, Rapid City exhibits a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for truck drivers in the area, implying consistent demand without overwhelming competition.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,190

The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Rapid City, SD earns-2.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.5

Weekly

$1,100

Monthly

$4,766

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Rapid City, SD

Career progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data for Rapid City is unavailable, experienced drivers with specialized endorsements or extensive route knowledge can command higher salaries. The gap between starting and senior-level pay reflects the accumulation of skills, reliability, and responsibility inherent in long-haul trucking.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$44,090$21.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$42,893$20.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$56,330$27.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$71,488$34.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$77,870$37.4

Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,190

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,190

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $57,190 in Rapid City aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in Rapid City is equivalent to that of a driver in a typical U.S. city, offering a stable financial footing without the premium or discount associated with higher or lower cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

760

Total Jobs

10.54

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rapid City, SD has 0.78x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are slightly less concentrated in Rapid City, SD, than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified drivers seeking employment without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of peers.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Rapid City, SD?

The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Rapid City, SD is $57,190. This typically ranges from $44,090 for entry-level positions to $77,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rapid City, SD is 2.0% lower than the national median of $58,380.

Is Rapid City, SD a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

No, but it offers stable earning potential.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings hold steady purchasing power.

Is Rapid City, SD a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

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

How does Rapid City's truck driver salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Rapid City, SD is $57,190, which is slightly lower than the national average of $58,380.

What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD for truck drivers?

Rapid City, SD has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of a $57,190 salary is comparable to the national average.

How concentrated is the truck driver job market in Rapid City?

The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that truck drivers are slightly less concentrated in Rapid City compared to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.

What is the total number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Rapid City?

There are approximately 760 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the Rapid City, SD area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Rapid City, SD area with a job density of 10.54 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Rapid City, SD