Rapid City vs Spearfish: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $30,943▲ | $15,662 |
| Hourly Rate | $14.88▲ | $7.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,199▲ | $11,498 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,293▲ | $14,181 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,773▲ | $19,012 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,129▲ | $22,874 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $15,281 (97.57%). Rapid City's median is +1.96% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $24,930,Spearfish spans $11,376. Rapid City 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 ($34,705 effective) pays 105.63% more than Spearfish ($16,877 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($30,943/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($46,129)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $34,705)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Rapid City grew -35.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -60.9% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$46,690 (2021) → $30,241 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$39,151 (2024) → $15,307 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Rapid City or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Spearfish as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Rapid City vs Spearfish?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% 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 Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov