Rapid City vs Yankton: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Yankton, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Yankton, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,153▲ | $92,237 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.12▲ | $44.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,223▲ | $70,095 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,355▲ | $77,511 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,780▲ | $102,880 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,780 | $111,593▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Yankton is $9,916 (10.75%). Rapid City's median is -1.21% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $32,557,Yankton spans $41,498. Yankton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($114,573 effective) pays 15.27% more than Yankton ($99,393 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,153/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,573)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,593)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Rapid City grew 34.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$73,730 (2019) → $99,120 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$73,147 (2024) → $89,498 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Rapid City or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Yankton as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Rapid City vs Yankton?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov