Black Hills State University Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Black Hills State University in the United States is $82,053. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $39. Salaries at Black Hills State University typically range from $71,705 to $93,966 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Black Hills State University

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Is Black Hills State University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Black Hills State University's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
State University of New York State College of Optometry $114,593
+39.7%
Data suggests State University of New York State College of Optometry's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Touro College of Dental Medicine $109,256
+33.2%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Touro College of Dental Medicine targets.
WVU Online $95,417
+16.3%
Supported by WVU Online's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine $107,115
+30.5%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine's primary metro hubs.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+40.6%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Black Hills State University

Considering a career at Black Hills State University? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
It’s a reasonable place to work if you value consistency and routine, though it may not be ideal for someone seeking a dynamic or fast-paced environment. Coworkers are respectful, and management is supportive within defined limits. Reliable employment, but innovation is often stifled by red tape. I love the team here.
If you're looking for a place where your efforts can have real societal impact, this is a rewarding and supportive environment to grow professionally. Work-life balance is outstanding. It's a stable, respectful, and meaningful workplace. Overall, the company’s commitment to innovation and community impact creates a motivating atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute their ...
Employee contributions are recognized, and work-life balance is encouraged. Despite its large size, inter-departmental cooperation is common, especially on large-scale projects affecting the public or students. Collaboration is easy, expectations are realistic, and there’s a shared understanding that our work matters. The leadership actively promotes equity and access, which aligns well with the o...

Black Hills State University Overview

Website
www.bhsu.edu
Founded In
1883
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1200 University St Spearfish South Dakota SD 57799
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 6056426011
Social Media
About Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public university in Spearfish, South Dakota. Close to 4,000 students attend classes at its campus in Spearfish, with a satellite campus in Rapid City that is shared with South Dakota State University, and through distance offerings. Enrollment comes from 64 out of 66 counties in South Dakota, 43 states, and 29 countries. BHSU is governed by the South Dakot

What Benefits Does Black Hills State University Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Black Hills State University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Rapid City?

Understanding the cost of living near Rapid City is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Black Hills State University.
Rapid City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 94.7 (5.3% less expensive than US average; 1.6% more than SD average). Western SD city (Black Hills, Ellsworth AFB), housing near US avg. RapidRide. When planning your budget based on a salary from Black Hills State University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $950 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Black Hills State University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $110 - $200 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $25 (RapidRide monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $590 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $360 - $680+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,225 - $3,675+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Black Hills State University

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Black Hills State University?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Black Hills State University is approximately from $71,705 to $93,966. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Black Hills State University pay compared to State University of New York State College of Optometry?

The average annual salary at Black Hills State University is $82,053, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to State University of New York State College of Optometry which pays $114,593 per year or $55 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Black Hills State University?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Black Hills State University due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Black Hills State University?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Black Hills State University, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Black Hills State University in Rapid City is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Black Hills State University in Rapid City is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Black Hills State University and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Rapid City" to understand its purchasing power.

6. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at Black Hills State University?

Several key factors influence salary levels at Black Hills State University. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: Black Hills State University likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.