Occupational Therapist Salary in Pierre, SD: $90,151 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Pierre, SD earns a median $90,151/year (≈ $43.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $97,145 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the projected median annual occupational therapist salary in 2026 is $90,151, reflecting a competitive position within the local job market, albeit lower compared to the national average of $103,400. The salary range for occupational therapists here varies significantly, encompassing a minimum of $64,962 to a maximum of $113,625. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, highlight a workforce that faces challenges, particularly in the wake of Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care since 2022. Given the tight labor pool with only four occupational therapists employed in Pierre, there may be unique opportunities for new graduates or seasoned professionals to negotiate favorable compensation packages.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,962 | $31.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,757 | $37.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,151 | $43.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,372 | $49.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,625 | $54.63 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,663 (2026 est.). At $90,151, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Pierre Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Pierre median: $90,151/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $95,905 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -12.81% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $90,151 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,145 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,065
2025 BLS Actual
$87,474
2026 Current Est.
$90,151
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,065 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,021 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,493 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,151 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,909 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $74,065 (2019) to $87,474 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,909 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,844 (25.44%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,962 – $78,757 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,757 – $90,151 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,151 – $103,372 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,372 – $113,625 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Pierre
With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, Pierre presents a more affordable environment, which enhances take-home purchasing power for occupational therapist pay in Pierre, SD. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab programs typically offer higher salaries, while roles in schools or outpatient settings might be less lucrative due to lower productivity expectations. The disparity in earnings can also be influenced by whether a therapist holds specialized credentials, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which commands a premium. To maximize salary potential in this market, occupational therapists should consider obtaining additional certifications, negotiating for productivity-based pay, and seeking employment with private practices or health organizations that value specialized skills. Understanding these dynamics can significantly improve one’s prospects in the local job market.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Pierre, SD in 2026?
Is Pierre, SD a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Pierre?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Pierre?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $87,474 for occupational therapistsin the Pierre metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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