Aberdeen vs Rapid City: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Aberdeen, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aberdeen, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,290▲ | $46,964 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.74▲ | $22.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,972 | $46,588▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,434 | $46,629▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,531▲ | $46,964 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,299 | $75,029▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Aberdeen and Rapid City are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Aberdeen and Rapid City is $326 (0.69%). Aberdeen's median is -11.81% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aberdeen spans $42,327,Rapid City spans $28,441. Aberdeen has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($52,674 effective) pays 3.37% more than Aberdeen ($50,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aberdeen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,290/year)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,029)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,674)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Aberdeen grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -14.3% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Aberdeen, SD
$45,859 (2024) → $46,591 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$53,970 (2019) → $46,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aberdeen, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Aberdeen or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aberdeen and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Aberdeen to Rapid City as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Aberdeen vs Rapid City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov