Travel Nurse Pay in Rapid City, South Dakota: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Rapid City.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Rapid City Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$686/wk
≈ $2,970.38/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Margin
+$1,970.38/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay no state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in SD.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$173
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,947
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$25,314
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$50,627
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$101,254
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,947
per week
Taxes
$173
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in South Dakota
$850
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,480
Your stipend covers rent with $3,480 left over each month.
Find apartments under $850/month in Sioux Falls:
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Cost of Living Analysis in South Dakota
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. South Dakota's cost of living is lower than the national average by 1.0 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Rapid City
Average Hourly Rate
$40/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,600
GSA Lodging Rate
$98/night
GSA Meal Rate
$59/day
Cost of Living in Rapid City
Cost of Living Index
95 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$1000/mo
2 Bedroom
$1300/mo
Top Hospitals in Rapid City
- 🏥 Rapid City Regional Medical
- 🏥 Rapid City General Hospital
- 🏥 Community Health Rapid City
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Rapid City, South Dakota?
Travel nurses in Rapid City typically earn between $35 and $50 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $40/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $44-59 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Rapid City, South Dakota?
The GSA per diem rates for Rapid City are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Rapid City?
The cost of living index in Rapid City is 95, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Rapid City?
Top hospitals in Rapid City that frequently hire travel nurses include Rapid City Regional Medical, Rapid City General Hospital, Community Health Rapid City, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Rapid City?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Rapid City include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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