Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $45.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Watertown, SD runs $45.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,365 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $45.16, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $50.62 per hour. This hourly wage offers a viable income for both full-time and part-time therapists, particularly those working three days a week in settings like outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, home health, and sports therapy centers. For part-time professionals, earning this hourly rate translates to significant income over time, while entry-level positions may start closer to $36.09 per hour, significantly increasing to around $56.22 for top earners in the field. It’s essential to keep in mind that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates based on data from 2025 expected to be reflective in 2026.
About the Watertown 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) | $36.09 | $288.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.72 | $309.76 |
| Median (P50) | $45.16 | $361.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.06 | $416.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.22 | $449.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $45.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.16/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $93,942 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,197. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,806.57 | $7,828 | $93,942 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,083.94 | $4,697 | $56,365 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $722.63 | $3,131 | $37,577 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Watertown) | $45.16 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $93,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $97,661.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.16/hr = $56,365/year (purchasing power: $60,738).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,942/year (purchasing power: $101,230).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Watertown grew 14.9% from $38.37/hr (2019) to $44.08/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.28/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
When considering the financial dynamics of part-time work in Watertown, a physical therapist who works 24 hours weekly would take home approximately $56,000 annually, which illustrates a solid living in the region, especially given the local cost of living index. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapists often enjoy a broader range of earnings, billing rates hovering between $50 to $75 per hour. Traveling PT contracts can be quite lucrative, offering between $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, which may include additional stipends. The specific employer can also impact hourly pay; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay less than inpatient rehab hospitals while offering productivity bonuses. For some physical therapists, the lower hourly rate often comes with much-needed health insurance, making it a likely trade-off. When negotiating hourly pay, therapists should consider not just the rate, but also benefits and work-life balance preferences in the evolving landscape of physical therapist hourly pay in Watertown, SD.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Watertown?
Are physical therapists in Watertown paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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