Pierre vs Sioux Falls: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Pierre, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,797 | $93,720▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.13 | $45.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,678 | $79,806▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,718 | $84,519▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,701▲ | $104,058 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,695▲ | $110,216 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Sioux Falls is $1,923 (2.09%). Sioux Falls's median is -10.99% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $46,017,Sioux Falls spans $30,410. Pierre has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($103,408 effective) pays 4.54% more than Pierre ($98,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,695)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,720/year)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,408)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Pierre grew 19.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$74,981 (2024) → $89,593 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$72,460 (2019) → $91,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Pierre or Sioux Falls?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov