Rapid City vs Vermillion: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Rapid City, SD and Vermillion, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Vermillion, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,375 | $60,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.70 | $28.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,212 | $45,743▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,660 | $54,601▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,587 | $68,423▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,771 | $73,632▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Vermillion, SD offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Vermillion is $8,837 (17.20%). Vermillion's median is -14.29% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $25,559,Vermillion spans $27,889. Vermillion has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Vermillion ($64,884 effective) pays 12.60% more than Rapid City ($57,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Vermillion if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,632)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,884)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Rapid City grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Vermillion over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$43,680 (2019) → $50,010 (2025)
Vermillion, SD
$51,428 (2024) → $58,612 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Vermillion, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Rapid City or Vermillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Vermillion?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Vermillion as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Rapid City vs Vermillion?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov