Security Guard Career Guide: Rapid City, South Dakota

If you're considering a move to Rapid City as a security guard, you've picked a city that offers a unique blend of affordability, steady demand, and a distinct western lifestyle. As someone who knows the Black Hills inside and out, I’ll give you the straight facts—no fluff, just the data and the local insights you need to make an informed decision.

This guide is built for the working professional. We'll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the long-term outlook so you can see if Rapid City is the right fit for your career and your life.

The Salary Picture: Where Rapid City Stands

Let's start with the most important number: the paycheck. In Rapid City, the security guard profession pays below the national average, but the low cost of living significantly offsets this gap.

The median annual salary for a Security Guard in Rapid City is $35,088, which translates to an hourly rate of $16.87. For comparison, the national average is $36,140/year. While you're earning slightly less than the national median, the economic environment in Rapid City is built to support that wage.

Here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. These figures are aggregated from local job postings and BLS data for the region:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Annual Estimate (Full-Time)
Entry-Level	$15.00 - $16.50	$31,200 - $34,320
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$16.50 - $18.00	$34,320 - $37,440
Senior/Lead Guard	$18.00 - $20.00+	$37,440 - $41,600+
Specialized/Expert (e.g., corporate, critical infrastructure)	$20.00 - $24.00+	$41,600 - $49,920+

Insider Tip: The most common entry-level position in town is with contract security firms like Securitas or Allied Universal, servicing everything from retail centers to medical facilities. Starting pay is often right at the $16.50/hour mark. The key to moving into the "Mid-Career" bracket quickly is to seek postings at major local institutions like Monument Health or the federal government, which often have structured pay scales.

How Rapid City Compares to Other SD Cities

South Dakota's economy is diverse, but security guard wages are relatively consistent across the state's larger cities, with Rapid City sitting in the middle.

City	Median Annual Salary	Key Employers & Notes
Sioux Falls	$36,200	Larger metro, more corporate headquarters, slightly higher demand.
Rapid City	$35,088	Tourism, healthcare, and government are dominant employers.
Aberdeen	$33,500	Smaller market, limited specialized roles.
Watertown	$34,100	Similar to Aberdeen; opportunities are more limited.

Sioux Falls has a slightly higher median salary and a larger job market (350+ positions), but Rapid City's unique location as a tourism hub and its proximity to Ellsworth Air Force Base creates a different, stable set of opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,088 translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $2,924. After federal and state taxes (South Dakota has no state income tax), your take-home pay is roughly $2,400 - $2,500 per month.

Now, let's factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Rapid City is $886/month. This is a crucial number.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning $35,088:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Monthly Take-Home Pay	$2,450	(After taxes)
Rent (1BR Average)	$886	Can be lower or higher by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	Varies seasonally; winters can be higher.
Groceries	$300
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; public transit is limited.
Gas/Transportation	$120	Based on a 10-mile commute.
Health Insurance	$200	If not covered by employer.
Misc/Entertainment	$150
Total Expenses	$2,186
Monthly Surplus	$264

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Rapid City is around $295,000. With a $264 monthly surplus, a standard 20% down payment ($59,000) is a significant hurdle for a single individual on this salary. However, it's not impossible. Many local lenders offer FHA and VA loans (important given Ellsworth AFB) with lower down payments. A two-income household makes homeownership much more attainable here. The surplus, while modest, is real and provides a starting point for savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Rapid City's Major Employers

Rapid City's security job market is stable, anchored by a few key sectors. Here are the employers you should be watching:

1. Monument Health: The region's largest healthcare system. They employ security officers for their main hospital campus (Rapid City Hospital) and numerous clinics. Jobs here offer good benefits and a structured career path. They often hire for both day and night shifts.
2. Ellsworth Air Force Base: A massive economic engine. While direct civilian jobs can be competitive, contract security companies (like G4S, now Allied Universal) hold the primary contracts for base access points, perimeter patrols, and building security. These positions often require a security clearance, a valuable career asset.
3. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology: A smaller but steady employer. Campus security is a community-oriented role, dealing with student safety and property protection. It’s a good fit for those who prefer a campus environment.
4. Federal Government: With a U.S. Courthouse, U.S. Post Offices, and other federal facilities in town, there are opportunities through the General Services Administration (GSA) and other agencies. These jobs are listed on USAJobs.gov and typically offer superior benefits and pay scales.
5. Contract Security Firms (Allied Universal, Securitas): These are the largest employers of entry-level guards. They service a wide portfolio: retail (Rushmore Mall, Target, Walmart), commercial buildings, and events. Hiring is frequent, and it's the most common way to get your foot in the door.
6. Black Hills National Forest & State Parks: Seasonal security roles exist, especially in summer. These are often tied to visitor centers, campgrounds, and event security. Pay can be hourly or seasonal salary.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady, not explosive. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is modest but stable. The biggest opportunities will be in replacing retiring guards and filling roles at expanding healthcare and federal facilities.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota has clear and straightforward requirements for security guards, which is a plus.

• State Licensing Board: The South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) handles licensing.
• Requirements:
  1. Must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  3. Must pass a background check (no felonies, certain misdemeanors).
  4. Must complete a 1-hour online training course on state laws, provided by the SD DCI.
  5. No state-mandated firearm training is required for basic unarmed security. (Firearm endorsements are separate and require additional training).
• Costs: The license application fee is $75. The online training course is often free or a minimal cost.
• Timeline: The process is relatively quick. After submitting your application online, background checks can take 2-4 weeks. Your license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Insider Tip: Most employers will sponsor your license or reimburse the fee. However, getting your license before you apply can give you a competitive edge, showing you're proactive and serious about the role.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live will affect your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods to consider:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Est. 1BR Rent	Best For
West Boulevard	Quiet, established residential. Easy access to downtown and I-90. ~10-15 min drive to most employers.	$800 - $950	Young professionals and those seeking a calm home base.
East Rapid City (Monument Health Area)	Central, with older homes and apartments. Close to the hospital and major commercial strips. Walkable to some amenities.	$750 - $900	Guards working at Monument Health or downtown offices.
North Rapid (near Ellsworth AFB)	More affordable, with a mix of older and newer housing. Commute to the base is very short. Less "touristy."	$650 - $800	Those working base security or seeking lowest cost of living.
Downtown/Founders Park	Urban, walkable, with restaurants and bars. Rent is higher. Can be noisier.	$950 - $1,200+	Social butterflies who don't mind a shorter commute to downtown jobs.

Commute Note: Rapid City traffic is minimal. A 10-mile commute rarely takes more than 20 minutes, making living further from work a viable option for cheaper rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role in Rapid City can be a job or a career. The path forward depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Firearm Endorsement: Guards with a valid concealed carry permit and additional training can earn $2-$4 more per hour. This is common for roles at banks, federal buildings, and some corporate sites.
  • Executive Protection/Tourism: With the tourism industry, there are niche opportunities for high-end security at events, ranches, or for visiting dignitaries. Pay is variable but can be substantial.
  • Supervisor/Manager: Moving into a supervisory role with a contract firm or at a large site (like the base or hospital) can push pay into the low $40s.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guards → Lead Guard/Field Supervisor: Gain experience, take on additional responsibility.
  2. Corporate Security: Move from contract work to an in-house role with a company, offering better benefits and stability.
  3. Law Enforcement: Many local cops and deputies start as security guards. The experience is directly relevant. The Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County Sheriff's Office are always hiring.
  4. Federal Law Enforcement: Ellsworth AFB is a stepping stone. Getting a clearance and experience there opens doors to TSA, Customs, and other federal agencies.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth rate means competition for the best jobs will be steady. The advantage goes to those who specialize. The demand for guards with clearances and specific certifications will remain strong, especially with Ellsworth's continued importance.

The Verdict: Is Rapid City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index 90.3)	Wages are below national average
Stable, Diverse Employer Base	Limited upward mobility without specialization
No State Income Tax	Cold, long winters (can affect shift work)
Easy Commutes & Affordable Housing	Limited nightlife/cultural amenities vs. larger cities
Proximity to Outdoor Recreation (Black Hills)	Car dependency is high
Clear, Simple Licensing	Fewer high-paying corporate security roles

Final Recommendation:

Rapid City is an excellent choice for security guards who are practical, value stability, and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. It's ideal for someone who wants to live comfortably on a single income, avoid debt, and have access to world-class hiking and scenery. It's less suitable for someone seeking rapid, high-level career advancement without a plan to specialize or pursue law enforcement.

If you're willing to start in an entry-level role, get a firearm endorsement, and network with employers like Monument Health and Ellsworth AFB, you can build a solid, long-term career here.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes, but it's not the cheapest in the nation. The Index of 90.3 means it's about 10% cheaper than the U.S. average. The biggest savings are in housing and taxes. Your $16.87 goes further here than in Sioux Falls or most other states.

2. Do I need a car?
Absolutely. Public transportation (Rapid Transit) exists but is limited. Most security jobs require you to drive to sites. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable requirement.

3. How competitive is the job market?
For entry-level jobs, it's not highly competitive, especially with contract firms. For the best jobs (federal, hospital in-house), there is competition. Having your SD license ready and a clean background is your biggest advantage.

4. What's the worst part of the job in Rapid City?
The weather. Winter shifts can be challenging, with cold, snow, and ice. Outdoor patrols and commute times can be affected. Employer facilities are well-heated, but you must be prepared for four true seasons.

5. Can I make a career here without becoming a police officer?
Yes, but you need to be strategic. The highest-paid non-law enforcement security jobs are in federal contracting (at Ellsworth) or corporate security with a large employer like Monument Health. These roles require reliability, often a clearance, and sometimes a firearm endorsement. It's a path, but it takes deliberate effort.