Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Pierre, SD: $69,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Pierre, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,678 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pierre's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,084 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,797) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly graduated physical therapists, the starting physical therapist salary in Pierre, SD presents a realistic pathway into the profession. With an entry-level salary projected at $69,678 in 2026, new grads can expect to start on somewhat lower footing when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $91,797. However, there is potential for upward mobility; within the first few years, salaries can grow to $81,718 at the 25th percentile and approach the median as practitioners gain experience and demonstrate their skills. This gradual salary increase reflects the overall growth trajectory in the healthcare sector and makes Pierre a relatively favorable market for fresh graduates seeking their first job in physical therapy.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pierre
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 Pierre
Entry-level physical therapists in Pierre, SD typically start between $69,678 and $81,718 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,017 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,797 — 12.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in South Dakota of $100,000 represents just 143.52% of the starting physical therapist pay ($69,678/year) in Pierre. 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 Pierre
- 1Research the Pierre market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $69,678 to $81,718, 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 Pierre, 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 Pierre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pierre'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 Pierre is $46,017 ( 66.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,678, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,695.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,764
2025 BLS Actual
$68,005
2026 Current Est.
$69,678
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,764 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,007 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,596 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,868 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,005 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,392 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Pierre, SD grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,764 in 2019 to $68,005 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,392. New graduates entering the Pierre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 Pierre
Employers in Pierre offer a range of opportunities for new physical therapists, driving the local job market's potential. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Select Medical are key players, regularly hiring new DPT graduates and providing structured productivity ramp-ups that help transition early-career professionals into their roles. Additionally, hospital systems may offer residency programs that lead to board specialization, enhancing earning potential and career advancement. To improve starting pay, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and obtaining state licensure are essential. Continuing education for board specializations like OCS or SCS is also recommended. Given the competitive field and changing reimbursement policies, realism in salary growth expectations over the first three years is crucial, with increased pay usually achievable but requiring dedication and a proactive approach to professional development within the evolving landscape of physical therapy practice in SD.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pierre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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