What Makes Rapid City Great For Summer Employment

Why Rapid City Ranks Among the Best for Job Opportunities

If you’re a teenager or college student looking to earn extra cash this summer, you might not have to leave South Dakota to find an opportunity.

According to a new study from WalletHub, Rapid City has been ranked the third-best city in America for finding a summer job. The rankings compared more than 180 cities across the country using factors like the availability of part-time jobs, internship opportunities, affordability, and overall social environment.

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WalletHub’s report highlighted Rapid City’s strong youth job market and solid affordability, helping it stand out nationally. The city scored especially well for access to part-time and seasonal employment opportunities - something many students and young workers are searching for as summer approaches.

Factors Contributing to Job Market Success

The study also found that Rapid City has the 14th-lowest annual transportation cost for part-time workers. Lower commuting costs can make a real difference, allowing workers to keep more of what they earn over the summer.

Tourism plays a major role in the city’s success. With thousands of visitors flocking to the Black Hills area each summer, businesses in hospitality, retail, restaurants, and entertainment often ramp up hiring. Seasonal attractions, outdoor recreation, and events create plenty of opportunities for young workers to gain experience while earning a paycheck.

Top Cities for Summer Employment in the U.S.

Rapid City finished just behind Scottsdale, Arizona, and South Burlington, Vermont, in the national rankings. Other cities in the top 10 included Columbia, Maryland; Pearl City, Hawaii; Juneau, Alaska; Portland, Maine; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Orlando, Florida.

For South Dakotans searching for summer work, the study suggests Rapid City may be one of the best places in the nation to start building experience, connections, and a little extra spending money.

You can check out the complete report at Wallet Hub.

Source: Wallet Hub

My Top 5 Favorite South Dakota Made Foods

As I was slicing a piece of cheese off my block of Dimock Dairy Colby cheese and boiling a ring of Bluebird Locker German sausage on the stove, I started thinking, "What foods is South Dakota known for?'

Then I realized the state is known for some of my favorite foods, are they're actually made right here in South Dakota!

So, I decided to search my cupboards and refrigerator looking for other South Dakota-made foods and came up with my Top 5.