Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $30.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Yankton, SD runs $30.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,603 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Yankton, South Dakota, will earn a median hourly rate of $30.13, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This translates well into both part-time and per-diem work scenarios, where PTAs might choose to work three days a week in various settings such as outpatient clinics, assisted living facilities, or even home health visits. The overall hourly pay range in Yankton will extend from $22.37 for entry-level positions to approximately $36.27 for seasoned professionals. These figures are reflective estimates based on annual salary projections and may vary depending on specific job responsibilities and workplace environments.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.37 | $179.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.95 | $215.57 |
| Median (P50) | $30.13 | $241.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.24 | $265.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.27 | $290.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $30.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.13/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $62,672 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,157. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,205.23 | $5,223 | $62,672 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.14 | $3,134 | $37,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.09 | $2,089 | $25,069 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Yankton) | $30.13 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Yankton, SD earn a median of $62,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $65,206.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.13/hr = $37,603/year (purchasing power: $40,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,672/year (purchasing power: $67,534).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Yankton grew 16.3% from $25.22/hr (2019) to $29.33/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.95/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Yankton
For those considering a part-time position, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week would earn a lower annual income compared to full-time staff, underscoring the earning potential for varied schedules. The per diem options in Yankton are particularly lucrative; PTAs could see hourly rates ranging from $32 to $48, especially with travel contracts bringing in between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, it's essential to recognize that some employers, such as skilled nursing facilities, may offer reduced rates due to the Medicare reimbursement cuts that took effect in 2022. Hourly earnings can also fluctuate based on the type of employer—outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer better compensation than pediatric clinics or school programs. Balancing the hourly rate with benefits presents an ongoing decision; while some may accept lower pay for comprehensive health coverage, others may prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiating effectively based on local market rates can help PTAs secure favorable pay in Yankton's competitive environment.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Yankton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Yankton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Yankton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Yankton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Yankton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Yankton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Yankton 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