Occupational Therapist Salary in Yankton, SD: $92,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Yankton, SD earns a median $92,237/year (≈ $44.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $99,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Yankton, South Dakota, can expect a median annual salary of $92,237 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position within the broader national context. The salary range for these professionals spans from $70,095 at the 10th percentile to $111,593 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities, highlight the potential for higher earnings depending on setting and experience. In this small but developing market, therapists might choose between employment in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or school districts, each offering distinct advantages and trade-offs in work-life balance, particularly between year-round and school-year contracts.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,095 | $33.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,511 | $37.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,237 | $44.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,880 | $49.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,593 | $53.65 |
Median Salary Position
10.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,498 (2026 est.). At $92,237, the local median is 10.8% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be above the median
How Yankton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Yankton median: $92,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $95,980 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -10.80% less |
Occupational Therapists in Yankton, SD earn a median of $92,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $95,980.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton 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.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $92,237 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,393 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,778
2025 BLS Actual
$89,498
2026 Current Est.
$92,237
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,332 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,966 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,059 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $75,778 (2019) to $89,498 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,059 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,281 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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) | $70,095 – $77,511 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,511 – $92,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,237 – $102,880 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,880 – $111,593 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Yankton
The local job market currently employs four occupational therapists, which suggests a niche environment that could be appealing for those focusing on patient care. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, the purchasing power in Yankton is higher than the national average, allowing therapists to stretch their salaries further. Employment in skilled nursing facilities typically offers competitive pay, particularly for those who have obtained specialized certifications like the CHT. Variations in salary can stem from multiple factors, including the setting, productivity expectations, and the impacts of Medicare reimbursements on different service types. Therapists in Yankton looking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing board certifications, as these credentials often come with stipends, as well as focusing on opportunities in higher-paying therapeutic areas like outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Yankton, SD in 2026?
Is Yankton, SD a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Yankton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Yankton?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Yankton?
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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 $89,498 for occupational therapistsin the Yankton 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 Yankton 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