Nursing Jobs in Rapid City, SD: Overview
Located in the western part of South Dakota, Rapid City is just outside of the Black Hills National Forest. Nearby, you’ll find Ellsworth Air Force Base, Mount Rushmore, the epic landscapes of the Badlands, and countless adventures to be had. There are also plenty of nursing jobs in Rapid City, SD, at prominent healthcare providers. Ready to start looking? IntelyCare can help you find the latest full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, and per diem opportunities in a variety of specialty areas. Learn more about what life in Rapid City can offer.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Rapid City, South Dakota
- Is South Dakota a compact state? Yes. You can work in Rapid City with a compact license. Learn more about general rules and regulations in our overview of the South Dakota Nurse Practice Act.
- How much money do nurses make in Rapid City? This is a breakdown of average annual salaries in Rapid City by license/certification:
- NP salary: $115,850
- RN salary: $73,640
- LPN salary: $52,170
- CNA salary: $37,810
- Where can I learn more about nurse licenses in South Dakota? For the most up-to-date information, visit the SD Board of Nursing website.
What to Know About Nursing Jobs in Rapid City
Nearly 80,000 people live in Rapid City, the seat of Pennington County. Approximately 22% of residents are under 18, and 20% are age 65 and older. The city’s median age is 39, which is just slightly older than the state’s median age. A mostly rural state, South Dakota is expected to have one of the largest nursing shortages in the country by 2030.
That means there’s a demand to fill open nursing jobs. Rapid City, SD, has opportunities for the following roles:
It’s important to practice culturally congruent care when treating a diverse population like the one in Rapid City. Around 77% of the city’s population is White, 10% is two or more races, 8% is American Indian and Alaskan Native, almost 6% is Hispanic or Latino, almost 2% is Black, and 1% is Asian.
Working in Rapid City, SD
The median household income in Rapid City is around $70,000, slightly below the state median of $72,000. Healthcare and social services is the largest employment sector. You’ll find nursing jobs in Rapid City, SD, and the surrounding areas at numerous hospitals and medical systems, such as:
- Monument Health — 34 facilities in Rapid City, including:
- Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
- Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital
- Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute
- Numerous urgent care centers
- Avantara Arrowhead
- Sanford Health
Commuting from Rapid City will only set you back an average of 19 minutes one way. More than 75% of residents drive alone to work, while 11% carpool and 9% work from home.
You’ll find options for child and youth care programs, as well as pet sitters, who can watch after your loved ones when your job gets busy.
Living in Rapid City, SD
While Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park tend to be the more well-known attractions in the vicinity of Rapid City, there are numerous awesome attractions comprising parks, monuments, historical sites, and a trove of Native American culture.
Black Hills National Forest is just west of Rapid City. It amasses 1.2 million acres and has many walking trails, streams, caves, lakes, and some of the highest peaks between the Rocky Mountains and Swiss Alps. For more dazzling sites, visit Jewel Cave National Park — the third-longest cave in the world — with crystal-covered walls, ceilings, and floors.
Downtown Rapid City is known as the City of Presidents due to the 44 life-size bronze statues of past presidents that line the streets. Here you’ll find many restaurants, breweries, wine bars, ice cream shops, and local retailers. It’s also the site of annual events and festivals, including the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, the Winter Market, and the Kids’ Carnival.
Annual weather patterns in Rapid City feature clear, warm summers, and freezing, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures range from 17 to 87 degrees.
The cost of living in Rapid City is 5% below the national average. The typical price of a home is 14% less than the national average, and apartment rentals are 6% less.
Find Great Nursing Jobs in Rapid City, SD, and Beyond
IntelyCare has many excellent career opportunities for nurses and healthcare professionals. Need some help getting started? Find out how we can match you with nursing jobs in your specialty area and preferred facility type.