Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Huron, SD: $73,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,240 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,922 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,106) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Huron, SD, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to be $73,240 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $90,106, illustrating a significant gap that early-career professionals must navigate. Despite this initial discrepancy, there are realistic growth opportunities for new PTs, as they can expect to move from the entry-level range to the P25 figure of $78,161 within a few years. This trajectory indicates a promising progression, making Huron a viable market for recent graduates seeking to establish their careers in physical therapy.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level physical therapists in Huron, SD typically start between $73,240 and $78,161 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,208 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,106 — 14.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in South Dakota of $100,000 represents just 136.54% of the starting physical therapist pay ($73,240/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $73,240 to $78,161, 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 Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron'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 Huron is $37,208 ( 50.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,240, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,448.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,564
2025 BLS Actual
$71,482
2026 Current Est.
$73,240
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,388 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,728 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,042 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,564 in 2019 to $71,482 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,042. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
Employers in Huron have various offerings tailored to new grads, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains, which hire many new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates and often include structured productivity ramps within their onboarding processes. Hospital systems may provide enhanced training through residency programs, allowing graduates to gain board certification, while skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare frequently offer competitive starting pay. To maximize earning potential, new physical therapists should focus on obtaining their DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE exam, and securing a state license. Additionally, pursuing specialized board certifications or becoming active members of the APTA can further enhance job prospects and starting salaries within the first few years in the field. Given the dynamics of the industry, where outpatient chains may offer lower base salaries but provide bonuses for productivity, new grads should be prepared for a challenging but rewarding early career path in Huron.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Huron in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Huron?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Huron?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Huron?
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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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