Physical Therapist Salary in South Dakota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Physical Therapists in South Dakota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$92,660
per year
Hourly Rate
$44.55
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-10% vs US median
US median $102,760
State Rank
#49 of 51
1,060 employed here

How much does a Physical Therapist make in South Dakota?

A Physical Therapist working in South Dakota earns a median salary of $92,660 per year, or about $44.55 per hour. That is 10% below the national median of $102,760 for this occupation.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $77,890 while the top 10% make $107,870 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $82,380 and $103,630 a year.

Physical Therapist salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$77,890$37.45
25th percentile (early career)$82,380$39.61
50th percentile (median)$92,660$44.55
75th percentile (experienced)$103,630$49.82
90th percentile (top earners)$107,870$51.86

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 49th out of 51 states and territories for Physical Therapist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$124,190
2Alaska$115,280
3New Jersey$112,140
4Nevada$111,250
5Maryland$106,890

Working as a Physical Therapist in South Dakota

Nationally, about 267,000 people work as Physical Therapists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($92,660) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in South Dakota?
The median Physical Therapist salary in South Dakota is $92,660 per year, or about $44.55 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $77,890 at the entry level to $107,870 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Physical Therapists about 10% less than the national median of $102,760. South Dakota ranks 49th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Physical Therapists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $92,660 a year. About 1,060 Physical Therapists are employed in South Dakota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Physical Therapist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.