Brookings vs Rapid City: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Brookings, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,261 | $96,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.44 | $46.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,190 | $73,899▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,975 | $82,189▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,614 | $97,731▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,973▲ | $102,411 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Rapid City is $8,168 (9.25%). Rapid City's median is -6.33% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $32,783,Rapid City spans $28,512. Brookings 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 ($108,153 effective) pays 13.71% more than Brookings ($95,109 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,973)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,429/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,153)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Brookings grew 21.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 2.1% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$69,530 (2020) → $84,106 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$89,980 (2020) → $91,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Brookings or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Rapid City as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Brookings vs Rapid City?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov