Occupational Therapist Salary in South Dakota: $90,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $90,736/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $97,776 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rapid City ($99,120), Watertown ($89,526), Yankton ($89,498).
In South Dakota, the average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is projected to be $90,736, which is 12.2% lower than the national median of $103,400. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with Rapid City offering the highest salary at $102,153 and Sioux Falls the lowest at $87,251, resulting in a gap of $14,902. This difference can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living, demand for services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. To practice as an occupational therapist in South Dakota, candidates must meet state licensing requirements, which include passing a national exam. The scope of practice laws allow for a broad range of services, including rehabilitative care for physical and mental health issues, a critical need considering the state's population demographics. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.06% for occupational therapy employment, the job market in South Dakota is anticipated to remain stable. The total employment of 385 occupational therapists indicates an ongoing demand for these professionals, particularly in metropolitan areas where healthcare services are increasingly prioritized. Cities such as Watertown, Yankton, Spearfish, and Mitchell also show favorable salaries, reflecting localized demand and regional healthcare investment.
South Dakota Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $64,962 (lowest entry-level) to $114,879 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota occupational therapists earn 12.25% less than the national median ($-12,664/year difference).
South Dakota Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in South Dakota range from $68,812 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $106,958 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $90,736. The South Dakota median is $12,664 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $43.62/hr. Approximately 385 occupational therapists are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,378
2025 BLS Actual
$88,042
2026 Current Est.
$90,736
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,378 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,025 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,042 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,513 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 23.3% from $71,378 (2019) to $88,042 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,513 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,135 (31.01%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $87,251 |
| Huron | $88,491 |
| Vermillion | $88,629 |
| Brookings | $88,650 |
| Pierre | $90,151 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $102,153 | 89.16 | $114,573 |
| Watertown | $92,265 | 92.8 | $99,423 |
| Yankton | $92,237 | 92.8 | $99,393 |
| Spearfish | $92,006 | 92.8 | $99,144 |
| Mitchell | $91,341 | 92.8 | $98,428 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $68,812 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $90,736 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $106,958 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid City | $102,153 |
| 2 | Watertown | $92,265 |
| 3 | Yankton | $92,237 |
| 4 | Spearfish | $92,006 |
| 5 | Mitchell | $91,341 |
| 6 | Aberdeen | $91,189 |
| 7 | Pierre | $90,151 |
| 8 | Brookings | $88,650 |
| 9 | Vermillion | $88,629 |
| 10 | Huron | $88,491 |
| 11 | Sioux Falls | $87,251 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in South Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in South Dakota?
How does South Dakota occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in South Dakota?
How many occupational therapists are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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