Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Sioux Falls, SD: $45.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Sioux Falls, SD runs $45.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,720 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Sioux Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.6, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,237 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $45.06 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This rate means that part-time physical therapists working three days a week can earn a competitive wage while maintaining flexibility in their schedules, allowing for opportunities in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports medicine centers. The hourly range for physical therapists in Sioux Falls starts at approximately $38.37 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $52.98 for experienced professionals, illustrating the potential for advancement in the field. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data provides a solid foundation for prospective PTs assessing potential earnings in this growing market.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.37 | $306.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.64 | $325.09 |
| Median (P50) | $45.06 | $360.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.03 | $400.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.98 | $423.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sioux Falls
Based on $45.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.06/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sioux Falls, SD can expect to earn approximately $93,729 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,074. With a cost-of-living index of 90.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sioux Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sioux Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,802.48 | $7,811 | $93,729 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,081.49 | $4,686 | $56,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $720.99 | $3,124 | $37,492 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Sioux Falls) | $45.06 |
| 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 Sioux Falls, SD earn a median of $93,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.99% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $97,727.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.06/hr = $56,237/year (purchasing power: $62,051).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,729/year (purchasing power: $103,418).
CoL index: 90.631 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Sioux Falls grew 26.2% from $34.84/hr (2019) to $43.98/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.17/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 Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls
Examining the financial landscape for physical therapists in Sioux Falls reveals various earning potentials, especially for those opting for part-time or per-diem arrangements. A physical therapist working a 24-hour week might take home around $52,000 annually, compared to those in full-time roles, who can expect more stable income through employer-sponsored benefits. Per diem physical therapist pay in Sioux Falls typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, which allows flexibility while sometimes commanding higher rates. Additionally, contract opportunities in travel PT can offer significant earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 per week, catering to physical therapists willing to work in different locations. Hourly rates can also differ depending on the type of facility; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower rates compared to more specialized hospitals or skilled nursing facilities but often come with more predictable patient loads. Many therapists face a benefits trade-off, where those who prioritize health insurance might accept lower hourly rates, while others may chase higher hourly wages without such safety nets. Practical negotiation tips, such as discussing potential bonuses or productivity incentives, can be essential strategies for physical therapists in Sioux Falls looking to maximize their hourly earnings.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Sioux Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Sioux Falls?
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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 Sioux Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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