Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Brookings, SD: $42.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Brookings, SD runs $42.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,650 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Brookings's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,184 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $42.62, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.71. This pay rate can significantly impact part-time professionals working three days a week, who would earn approximately $33,000 annually based solely on this hourly wage. The occupational therapist hourly rate in SD varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $33.13, while experienced therapists may command as much as $52.39 per hour. Settings for these professionals include numerous environments, such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, each differing in pay dynamics. Given that these hourly rates derive from annual salary data, they reflect both the demand for therapy services and the rates commonly accepted across the region.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.13 | $265.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.36 | $290.88 |
| Median (P50) | $42.62 | $340.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.05 | $384.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.39 | $419.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookings
Based on $42.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.62/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookings, SD can expect to earn approximately $88,640 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,138. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brookings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,704.61 | $7,387 | $88,640 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,022.77 | $4,432 | $53,184 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $681.84 | $2,955 | $35,456 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Brookings) | $42.62 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Brookings, SD earn a median of $88,650 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.26% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $95,942.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.62/hr = $53,184/year (purchasing power: $57,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,640/year (purchasing power: $95,517).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Brookings grew 18.1% from $35.01/hr (2019) to $41.35/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 3.06% 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 Occupational Therapist in Brookings
When considering part-time work as an occupational therapist in Brookings, professionals may find that a 3-day workweek leads to lower annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, working 24 hours weekly will yield earnings under $50,000 annually, leaving some seeking additional opportunities. Per-diem options present an enticing alternative, allowing occupational therapists to bill rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapy credentialed therapists (CHT) potentially earning over $80 per hour. In addition, travel contracts may offer even higher compensation, running between $1,800 and $2,800 per week depending on demand and location. Variances in pay can arise based on the employer type, such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, leading to a trade-off where some practitioners may choose lower hourly rates for health insurance benefits. To negotiate effectively, therapists should emphasize their unique skills and seek clarity on overall compensation packages, enabling them to enhance their earnings whether part-time or full-time in Brookings.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Brookings in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Brookings?
Are occupational therapists in Brookings paid hourly or salary?
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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
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Brookings. 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 Brookings 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov