HVAC Jobs in Rapid City, SD
Find HVAC technician, installer, and apprentice jobs in Rapid City, SD. The metro employs about 360 HVAC pros earning an average of $61,160 per year.
$61,160
Avg Salary
360
HVAC Employed
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$48,010
entry-level
25th Pct
$49,440
early career
Median
$61,430
typical wage
75th Pct
$65,910
experienced
90th Pct
$74,280
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Cost of Living
Disposable Income
$33,750
After taxes and 2-bedroom rent, per year
How we calculated this
$61,160
$5,355
$4,679
$0
$51,126
$17,376
$33,750
2BR rent based on HUD Fair Market Rent of $1,705/month for the metro.
Federal and FICA tax computed for a single filer using the standard deduction. State income tax uses state-specific brackets where applicable. Annual rent derived from HUD 2024 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit in this metro area.
Industry Snapshot
Contracting Businesses
30
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
360
SOC 49-9021 · BLS OEWS
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Some smaller metros suppressed by BLS privacy rules.
Climate Profile
6A
Cold-Humid
Heating dominates Rapid City's Cold-Humid climate, where deep winters create high-stakes demand for furnace, boiler, and heat pump reliability. Technicians here build careers around heating systems, with short but intense summer cooling seasons.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
Getting Started
Step 1 · License
See requirements, cost, and how to apply on the state page.
Step 2 · Train
Earn while you learn. See verified union and non-union HVAC apprenticeship programs across Texas.
Step 3 · School
Compare HVAC trade school programs — length, cost, and credential focus.
Each step links to the Texas state page for full details. Texas-specific requirements may vary by city or county.
