Rapid City vs Watertown: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,435▲ | $93,950 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.36▲ | $45.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,425▲ | $75,060 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,511▲ | $80,546 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,099▲ | $108,294 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,044▲ | $116,939 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $2,485 (2.65%). 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 Rapid City spans $36,619,Watertown spans $41,879. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($108,159 effective) pays 6.84% more than Watertown ($101,239 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Rapid City grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$80,400 (2019) → $94,120 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$76,739 (2024) → $91,694 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Rapid City or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Watertown as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Rapid City vs Watertown?
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