Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Brookings, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,268 | $93,720▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.40 | $45.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,643 | $79,806▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,498 | $84,519▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,176 | $104,058▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,945▲ | $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 Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $3,452 (3.82%). 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 Brookings spans $37,302,Sioux Falls spans $30,410. Brookings 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 6.31% more than Brookings ($97,272 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,945)
- ✓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 Brookings grew 19.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$73,732 (2024) → $88,101 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$72,460 (2019) → $91,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Brookings or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Sioux Falls as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Brookings vs Sioux Falls?
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