Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $44.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Pierre, SD runs $44.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,074 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the physical therapist hourly pay averages $44.13, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This discrepancy may impact part-time positions for those working three days a week or less, who will find that their income is tightly tied to hours worked in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For per-diem positions, the hourly rates can vary; while many of these positions generally offer payment that aligns with the regional median, entry-level physical therapists can expect to earn approximately $33.49, whereas more experienced therapists may exceed $55.63 per hour in certain circumstances.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.49 | $267.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.28 | $314.27 |
| Median (P50) | $44.13 | $353.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.30 | $410.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.63 | $445.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $44.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.13/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $91,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,955. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,765.18 | $7,649 | $91,789 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,059.11 | $4,589 | $55,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.07 | $3,060 | $36,716 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Pierre) | $44.13 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Pierre, SD earn a median of $91,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $97,656.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.13/hr = $55,074/year (purchasing power: $59,347).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,789/year (purchasing power: $98,911).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Pierre grew 14.9% from $37.49/hr (2019) to $43.07/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Pierre
For physical therapists opting for part-time work, the earnings potential can differ dramatically compared to standard full-time positions. A part-time therapist working 24 hours per week could realistically expect to earn around $55,000 annually, which still represents a considerable income albeit less than the full-time equivalent. Per diem physical therapists in Pierre often have the opportunity for higher pay rates, typically charging between $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts potentially yielding $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. However, the blend of employment types in Pierre creates a scenario where hourly rates can differ significantly based on the employer, whether it be outpatient clinics like Athletico or skilled nursing facilities. The decision for physical therapists to work at a lower hourly rate for jobs that offer benefits versus higher pay without health coverage can be a strategic trade-off depending on personal needs. Negotiating rates effectively is essential; therapists should research local salaries, be aware of employer expectations regarding productivity, and aim for compensation packages that align with both their financial goals and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Pierre in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Pierre?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Pierre?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Pierre. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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