Physical Therapist Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $92,853 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $92,853/year (≈ $44.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $100,057 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist pay in Aberdeen, SD, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $92,853. This figure reflects local market conditions, with salaries ranging from $72,931 at the 10th percentile to $116,971 for those at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted regional cost considerations, offering a realistic view of the potential income for professionals in this field. While the compensation in Aberdeen is approximately 11.81% lower than the national median of $105,288, the city's burgeoning trend toward cash-pay models, especially for sports and orthopedic specialists, is positively influencing top-end salaries, providing opportunities for increased earnings for those who adapt to this payment approach.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,931 | $35.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,134 | $38.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,853 | $44.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,612 | $52.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,971 | $56.24 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,040 (2026 est.). At $92,853, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $92,853/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $97,740 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -11.81% less |
Physical Therapists in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $92,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $97,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $92,853 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,057 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,877
2025 BLS Actual
$90,624
2026 Current Est.
$92,853
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,877 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,262 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,179 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,853 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,138 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $78,877 (2019) to $90,624 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,138 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,261 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,931 – $79,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,134 – $92,853 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,853 – $109,612 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,612 – $116,971 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Aberdeen
The local job market for physical therapists in Aberdeen shows a modest scale, with just five professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index sitting at 92.8 indicates that life in Aberdeen tends to be more affordable compared to national averages, which can enhance the purchasing power of physical therapist salaries. Outpatient orthopedic clinics represent major employers where earnings typically trend higher due to their emphasis on productivity and performance bonuses. Factors such as productivity expectations, specifically visits per day and units billed per session, can create a significant disparity in salaries. For those aiming to maximize pay in this particular market, pursuing advanced board certifications like OCS or SCS can lead to higher remuneration opportunities. Additionally, understanding the implications of different practice models, including cash-pay versus traditional insurance-based structures, is crucial for navigating compensation effectively in Aberdeen's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Aberdeen, SD in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Aberdeen?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $90,624 for physical therapistsin the Aberdeen metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen 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