Sioux Falls vs Spearfish: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,720▲ | $93,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.06▲ | $45.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,806▲ | $71,481 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,519▲ | $83,668 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,058 | $105,687▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,216 | $112,889▲ |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Spearfish is $35 (0.04%). 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 Sioux Falls spans $30,410,Spearfish spans $41,408. Spearfish 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, Sioux Falls ($103,408 effective) pays 2.43% more than Spearfish ($100,954 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,889)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Sioux Falls grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$72,460 (2019) → $91,470 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$76,523 (2024) → $91,436 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Sioux Falls or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Spearfish as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Sioux Falls vs Spearfish?
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