Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Brookings, SD: $73,643 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Brookings, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,643 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookings's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,357 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,268) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Brookings, South Dakota can expect an entry-level salary starting at approximately $73,643, which can be seen as an initial stepping stone toward greater financial success. This figure represents a notable difference from the city's median annual salary of $90,268, illustrating the financial growth opportunity available as young professionals accumulate experience in both clinical skills and patient management. As new physical therapists progress, salaries can climb from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, with entry-level salaries of $78,498 providing optimism for financial advancement in the first few years. Given the current projections and the city’s overall cost of living index of 92.8, Brookings presents a reasonable market for fresh graduates to establish their careers in physical therapy.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookings
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Entry-level physical therapists in Brookings, SD typically start between $73,643 and $78,498 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,302 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,268 — 14.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in South Dakota of $100,000 represents just 135.79% of the starting physical therapist pay ($73,643/year) in Brookings. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brookings
- 1Research the Brookings market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $73,643 to $78,498, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookings, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brookings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookings's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Brookings is $37,302 ( 50.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,643, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,945.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,880
2025 BLS Actual
$71,875
2026 Current Est.
$73,643
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,194 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,275 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,054 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,875 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,643 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,455 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Brookings, SD grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,880 in 2019 to $71,875 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,455. New graduates entering the Brookings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Brookings
Employers in Brookings typically seek newly graduated physical therapists from CAPTE-accredited programs, with several healthcare systems offering structured training to help them transition into their first roles. Outpatient orthopedic establishments such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico are prominent in hiring new graduates; although they may initially offer lower salaries, productivity incentives can enhance earnings over time. Hospitals also provide valuable residency programs, equipping new therapists with board certification pathways that directly impact their pay. Credentials such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and successful completion of the NPTE national exam are essential, while pursuing additional certifications can be advantageous for future salary increases. Realistically, first-year salaries might rise steadily with skill development and professional networking, giving newcomers a solid foundation for growth in the competitive physical therapy sector in Brookings, SD.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Brookings in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Brookings?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Brookings?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Brookings?
How do I become a physical therapist in South Dakota?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brookings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings 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 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov