Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $43.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pierre, SD runs $43.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,151 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,084 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapists is $43.34, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate reflects the local job market and the cost of living index, which stands at 92.8, indicating a lower-than-average expense compared to national standards. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this rate allows for a reasonable income but is significantly affected by the specific environment in which they work, such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly rates for these professionals range from $31.23 for entry-level positions to $54.63 for the most experienced, showing that opportunity for higher earnings does exist, especially for those who may take on per diem roles or specialize further.
About the Pierre 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) | $31.23 | $249.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.86 | $302.91 |
| Median (P50) | $43.34 | $346.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.70 | $397.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.63 | $437.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $43.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.34/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $90,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,004. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,733.47 | $7,512 | $90,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,040.08 | $4,507 | $54,084 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $693.39 | $3,005 | $36,056 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pierre) | $43.34 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $90,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $95,905.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.34/hr = $54,084/year (purchasing power: $58,280).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,140/year (purchasing power: $97,134).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pierre grew 18.1% from $35.60/hr (2019) to $42.05/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.66/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 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 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 Pierre
Professionals in Pierre, SD, can effectively manage their finances depending on their employment structure. A part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could take home around $54,188 annually, which is substantially lower than their full-time counterparts. For those considering a per diem route, they can often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed hand therapists may command rates up to $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Travel contracts add further potential, with weekly payments ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Variations in pay exist depending on the employer type; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer more stable positions, while outpatient therapy clinics might provide better per-hour compensation. Moreover, it’s vital for occupational therapists to weigh the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates that come with freelance work, especially in terms of job security and additional perks like retirement plans, which might be absent in higher-paying per diem roles. For negotiating hourly rates, leveraging unique skills or specialized credentials can be advantageous, positioning candidates more favorably in the job market.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pierre in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pierre?
Are occupational therapists in Pierre paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pierre?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pierre?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Pierre. 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 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 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