Physical Therapist Salary in Mitchell, SD: $93,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Mitchell, SD earns a median $93,009/year (≈ $44.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Mitchell's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $100,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Mitchell, South Dakota, are projected to average $93,009 annually, which lags behind the national median of $105,288 by about 11.66%. The salary range for local therapists spans from $72,687 at the 10th percentile to as much as $113,978 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differences, reflect the emerging trend of cash-pay orthopedic services which can significantly elevate top-end earnings. With an increasing number of cash-pay models in the sports and orthopedic sector, Mitchell's job market may continue to evolve, presenting a competitive environment for physical therapists aiming for higher compensation.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,687 | $34.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,560 | $37.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,009 | $44.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,101 | $51.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,978 | $54.80 |
Median Salary Position
11.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mitchell
In Mitchell, SD, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,291 (2026 est.). At $93,009, the local median is 11.66% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mitchell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mitchell Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Mitchell median: $93,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mitchell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $97,699 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -11.66% less |
Physical Therapists in Mitchell, SD earn a median of $93,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $97,699.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mitchell 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.
Mitchell, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $93,009 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,225 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,009
2025 BLS Actual
$90,776
2026 Current Est.
$93,009
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,396 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,469 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,324 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,971 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,297 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mitchell metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $79,009 (2019) to $90,776 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,297 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,288 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mitchell 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) | $72,687 – $78,560 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,560 – $93,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,009 – $106,101 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,101 – $113,978 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Mitchell
The local job market for physical therapists in Mitchell is modest, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. This limited workforce, coupled with the city's cost-of-living index of 92.8, suggests that take-home pay can stretch further compared to urban centers. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly those affiliated with established chains, tend to offer the highest salaries. Factors such as productivity expectations, specialized board certifications like OCS or SCS, and the differences between cash-pay versus insurance models drive the broader salary spectrum. Therapists seeking to maximize their income should consider pursuing additional certifications, focusing on productivity efficiency, and exploring employment with higher-paying facilities, such as those specializing in sports medicine or inpatient rehabilitation. Understanding the dynamics of the Mitchell market will be crucial for professionals looking to enhance their physical therapist pay in Mitchell, SD.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $90,776 for physical therapistsin the Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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