Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pierre, SD: $43,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Pierre, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,076 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pierre's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,418 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,247) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level physical therapist assistants in Pierre, South Dakota, project to be around $43,076 in 2026, which represents a notable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $61,247. New graduates can expect a gradual progression as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of approximately $56,819 within the first few years. The growth trajectory indicates that dedicated entry-level professionals can bridge this gap over three to five years. With the anticipated annual growth rate of 2.73% in this field, Pierre stands out as a decent market for new graduates seeking opportunities to establish their careers in physical therapy assistance.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pierre
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Pierre, SD typically start between $43,076 and $56,819 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,764 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,247 — 12.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in South Dakota of $16,000 represents just 37.14% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,076/year) in Pierre. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Pierre
- 1Research the Pierre market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,076 to $56,819, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pierre, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Pierre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pierre's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Pierre is $33,764 ( 78.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,076, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,840.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,374
2025 BLS Actual
$41,931
2026 Current Est.
$43,076
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,716 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,058 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,978 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,025 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,252 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Pierre, SD grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,374 in 2019 to $41,931 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,252. New graduates entering the Pierre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Pierre
Several potential employers in Pierre actively recruit new physical therapist assistant graduates, with outpatient therapy clinics being the primary source of entry-level employment. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) remain open to hiring, despite the Medicare reimbursement cuts that took effect in 2022, reducing pay in Medicare-reliant settings. For those just starting, holding an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are crucial initial steps. Many clinics also value continuing education and optional advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA, as they can enhance starting physical therapist assistant pay in SD. In the first three years, realistic salary growth for new PTAs might enable them to transition toward the higher ends of the pay spectrum, particularly if they capitalize on networking and mentorship opportunities while working under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Pierre in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Pierre?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Pierre?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Pierre?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Pierre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov