Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pierre, SD: $61,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Pierre, SD earns a median $61,247/year (≈ $29.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $65,999 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the compensation landscape for physical therapist assistants is projected to offer a median annual salary of $61,247 in 2026. The salary range for this role spans from $43,076 at the 10th percentile to as much as $76,840 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional costs. While this median salary reflects a relatively modest position in comparison to the national median of $70,247, those pursuing further education through the PTA-to-DPT bridge may significantly enhance their lifetime earnings. With only four physical therapist assistants currently employed in Pierre, competition for positions might influence both salary trends and job availability in the local market.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,076 | $20.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,819 | $27.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,247 | $29.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,502 | $33.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,840 | $36.94 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,764 (2026 est.). At $61,247, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be above the median
How Pierre Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Pierre median: $61,247/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $65,156 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -12.81% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pierre, SD earn a median of $61,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $65,156.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $61,247 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,999 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,258
2025 BLS Actual
$59,619
2026 Current Est.
$61,247
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
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 | $51,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,112 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,341 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,312 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,919 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $51,258 (2019) to $59,619 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,919 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,661 (22.75%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,076 – $56,819 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,819 – $61,247 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,247 – $69,502 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,502 – $76,840 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Pierre
The local job market for physical therapist assistants in Pierre is characterized by a modest number of active professionals, which can create unique opportunities for employment. The cost of living index stands at 92.8, indicating that living expenses in Pierre are below the national average, thereby enhancing the purchasing power of PTAs. Among the various settings, outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, while factors such as experience and specific employer policies can affect compensation. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to the type of facility, productivity expectations, and the ongoing impact of the Medicare cut, which has influenced reimbursement rates for PTA services in heavily Medicare-dependent environments. For those looking to improve their pay in Pierre, gaining experience in high-demand settings like outpatient clinics or considering further education through the DPT pathway can be effective strategies to boost earning potential.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,619 for physical therapist assistantsin the Pierre metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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