Aberdeen vs Rapid City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Aberdeen, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aberdeen, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,853 | $96,435▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.64 | $46.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,931 | $81,425▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,134 | $82,511▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,612▲ | $109,099 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,971 | $118,044▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aberdeen.
The salary gap between Aberdeen and Rapid City is $3,582 (3.86%). Rapid City's median is -8.41% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aberdeen spans $44,040,Rapid City spans $36,619. Aberdeen 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, Rapid City ($108,159 effective) pays 8.10% more than Aberdeen ($100,057 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aberdeen if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,435/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,044)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,159)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Aberdeen grew 19.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Aberdeen, SD
$75,844 (2024) → $90,624 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$80,400 (2019) → $94,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aberdeen, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Aberdeen or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aberdeen and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Aberdeen to Rapid City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Aberdeen vs Rapid City?
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