SalaryNode

Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Rapid City, SD

Light Truck Drivers in Rapid City, SD, earn an average annual salary of $44,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,920. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Rapid City region contribute to this compensation level.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,200 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,800.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 650 Light Truck Drivers, Rapid City demonstrates a notable concentration of this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.4. This suggests a demand for these roles that exceeds the national average relative to the overall workforce, pointing to a robust job market for this occupation in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,200

The average Light Truck Drivers in Rapid City, SD earns-7.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.3

Weekly

$850

Monthly

$3,683

Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Rapid City, SD

Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers in Rapid City typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or extensive driving records can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$29,920$14.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,150$15.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$43,830$21.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$55,250$26.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$59,800$28.8

Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,200

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,200

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $44,200 in Rapid City aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Light Truck Driver's salary in Rapid City is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

650

Total Jobs

9.028

Per 1K Jobs

1.4

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.40, Rapid City, SD has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Light Truck Drivers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates that Light Truck Drivers are more concentrated in Rapid City than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals within the local economy, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for both new entrants and experienced drivers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Light Truck Driverss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Rapid City, SD?

The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Rapid City, SD is $44,200. This typically ranges from $29,920 for entry-level positions to $59,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rapid City, SD is 7.8% lower than the national median of $47,920.

Is Rapid City, SD a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The strong concentration of the profession suggests good local demand.

Is Rapid City, SD a good place to live for Light 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 the number of Light Truck Drivers in Rapid City compare nationally?

Rapid City has 9.028 Light Truck Drivers per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a significant presence of this profession in the local job market.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Light Truck Drivers in Rapid City?

A Location Quotient of 1.4 signifies that Light Truck Drivers are 40% more concentrated in Rapid City compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more established industry presence for this role.

How does the cost of living in Rapid City affect a Light Truck Driver's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Rapid City's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $44,200 average salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good value.

What does the total local workforce size imply for Light Truck Driver jobs?

A local workforce of 650 Light Truck Drivers indicates a substantial segment of the employment landscape dedicated to this role, suggesting stability and ongoing opportunities within the region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Rapid City, SD area with a job density of 9.028 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.