Brookings vs Rapid City: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $34,194 | $43,654▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.44 | $20.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,206 | $36,255▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,141 | $37,914▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,409 | $64,823▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,000 | $88,832▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Rapid City is $9,460 (27.67%). Rapid City's median is -3.68% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $24,794,Rapid City spans $52,577. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($48,961 effective) pays 32.88% more than Brookings ($36,847 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,654/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,832)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,961)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Brookings grew -2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -22.6% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$34,294 (2024) → $33,389 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$55,070 (2022) → $42,627 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians 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 dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Brookings vs Rapid City?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov