Occupational Therapist Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $87,251 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Sioux Falls, SD earns a median $87,251/year (≈ $41.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Sioux Falls's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.6), that paycheck buys what $96,271 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% below the South Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sioux Falls, SD, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $87,251, reflecting local market dynamics and job demand within the region. The salary range spans from $66,309 at the 10th percentile to $105,286 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, showcases how the local pay compares unfavorably to the national median occupational therapist salary of $103,400. The decision of professionals to work in hospital settings versus skilled nursing facilities or school environments influences potential earnings, as year-round positions often come with more stability but may yield lower pay than those in high-demand hospital rehab programs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,309 | $31.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,181 | $38.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,251 | $41.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,453 | $48.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,286 | $50.62 |
Median Salary Position
15.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sioux Falls
In Sioux Falls, SD, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,977 (2026 est.). At $87,251, the local median is 15.62% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Sioux Falls Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Sioux Falls median: $87,251/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sioux Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $95,985 | -9.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -15.62% less |
Occupational Therapists in Sioux Falls, SD earn a median of $87,251 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.62% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 9.10% below the South Dakota state average of $95,985.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sioux Falls has a cost of living 9.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sioux Falls, SD has a cost-of-living index of 90.631 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $87,251 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,271 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.34% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,790
2025 BLS Actual
$84,660
2026 Current Est.
$87,251
2019–2027 Growth
+27.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,251 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,920 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sioux Falls metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 19.6% from $70,790 (2019) to $84,660 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,920 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,130 (27.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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) | $66,309 – $80,181 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,181 – $87,251 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,251 – $100,453 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,453 – $105,286 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Sioux Falls
A closer examination of the job market reveals that there are approximately 260 occupational therapists employed in Sioux Falls, indicating a robust demand for therapy services in this growing community. The cost of living index, sitting at 90.631, suggests that take-home earnings allow for a reasonable quality of life, though pay tends to vary based on employment settings. Generally, occupational therapist pay in Sioux Falls SD is highest in hospital inpatient rehab, while skilled nursing facilities and school contracts typically offer lower compensation. Factors such as certification in hand therapy (CHT), productivity expectations, and the impact of Medicare cuts also contribute to the disparity in earnings. For those looking to maximize their salary, targeting high-demand specialties, seeking opportunities in hospitals, and pursuing advanced certifications can be strategic moves in the competitive Sioux Falls market.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Sioux Falls, SD in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Sioux Falls?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Sioux Falls?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Sioux Falls?
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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 $84,660 for occupational therapistsin the Sioux Falls 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
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