Physical Therapist Salaries in South Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026South Dakota pays physical therapists a median wage of $89,240 per year — that's $42.90/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 940 physical therapists make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Physical Therapist salaries in South Dakota are below the national average by approximately $10,626. South Dakota has no state income tax.
South Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for physical therapists across both urban and rural areas.
South Dakota Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Dakota has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Dakota Physical Therapist Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Dakota median of $89,240.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — South Dakota
Physical Therapist Salary Trend in South Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataPhysical Therapist salaries in South Dakota have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Dakota's healthcare and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist Salary by City — South Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $99,050 | $47.62 | +11.0% | 329 |
| Rapid City | $94,600 | $45.48 | +6.0% | 263 |
| Aberdeen | $91,900 | $44.18 | +3.0% | 169 |
| Brookings | $85,650 | $41.18 | -4.0% | 84 |
| Watertown | $81,200 | $39.04 | -9.0% | 56 |
| Mitchell | $77,650 | $37.33 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Sioux Falls offers the highest physical therapist salaries in South Dakota at $99,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Dakota compares favourably for physical therapists.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook in South Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for physical therapists in South Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Dakota job market. South Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for physical therapists across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in South Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in South Dakota typically adds $73,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Sioux Falls pays physical therapists $99,050/yr — +11.0% above the South Dakota average. Simply relocating within South Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in South Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays physical therapists $86,180/yr — -3.4% vs South Dakota.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in South Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current physical therapist job vacancies in South Dakota:
🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in South Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in South Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs — Sioux Falls, SD→