Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Spearfish, SD: $44,209 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Spearfish, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,209 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Spearfish's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,639 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,506) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field of physical therapy as an assistant in Spearfish, South Dakota, can expect to receive a starting annual salary around $44,209. Although this figure is lower than the median salary of $62,506 for all physical therapist assistants in the city, it reflects the typical entry point for new graduates entering the workforce. As these professionals gain experience, they can realistically anticipate their earnings to rise; for instance, reaching the $58,167 mark at the 25th percentile within the first few years. Spearfish presents a decent job market for recent graduates, particularly considering its favorable growth rate of 2.73%. This trajectory indicates potential for salary advancement in a region where opportunities are steadily increasing.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Spearfish
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 Spearfish
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Spearfish, SD typically start between $44,209 and $58,167 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,752 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,506 — 11.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in South Dakota of $16,000 represents just 36.19% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,209/year) in Spearfish. 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 Spearfish
- 1Research the Spearfish market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,209 to $58,167, 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 Spearfish, 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 Spearfish for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Spearfish'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 Spearfish is $30,752 ( 69.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,209, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,961.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,146
2025 BLS Actual
$43,034
2026 Current Est.
$44,209
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,498 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,598 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,951 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,209 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,416 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Spearfish, SD grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,146 in 2019 to $43,034 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,416. New graduates entering the Spearfish job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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 Spearfish
When considering employment opportunities in Spearfish, outpatient rehabilitation facilities tend to be the primary recruiters for newly licensed physical therapist assistants. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire despite recent reimbursement cuts, a factor that may influence entry-level pay. New graduates should prioritize fulfilling the requirements for a state PTA license, which includes completing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTAE national exam. Continuing education and additional certifications can also enhance starting pay in South Dakota. Over the first few years, realistic salary growth for new professionals typically hinges on factors like the local demand for PTAs and the financial structure of their employing organization. As reimbursement rates in heavily Medicare-reliant settings like SNFs have been impacted, PTAs in Spearfish should remain aware of these dynamics while planning their career strategies and potential pathways toward further advancement within the field.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Spearfish in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Spearfish?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Spearfish?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Spearfish?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in South Dakota?
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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 Spearfish. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spearfish 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