Physical Therapist Salary in Vermillion, SD: $90,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Vermillion, SD earns a median $90,247/year (≈ $43.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Vermillion's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $97,249 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median pay for a physical therapist in Vermillion, South Dakota, is projected to be $90,247, indicating a competitive position within the local job market. The salary range spans from a lower-end $73,589 to a high of $110,877, reflecting variations based on experience, work settings, and productivity demands. These figures arise from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and take into account regional price adjustments, making them particularly relevant for prospective practitioners considering opportunities here. Given the rigorous expectations of visits-per-day tied to productivity models, effective compensation often hinges on how well a therapist can balance quality care with these metrics, ensuring they meet patient needs while achieving productivity targets.
About the Vermillion Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,589 | $35.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,453 | $37.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,247 | $43.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,042 | $50.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,877 | $53.31 |
Median Salary Position
14.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vermillion
In Vermillion, SD, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,288 (2026 est.). At $90,247, the local median is 14.29% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vermillion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vermillion Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Vermillion median: $90,247/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vermillion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $97,670 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -14.29% less |
Physical Therapists in Vermillion, SD earn a median of $90,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $97,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vermillion 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.
Vermillion, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $90,247 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,249 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,663
2025 BLS Actual
$88,080
2026 Current Est.
$90,247
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,663 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,009 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,466 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,467 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vermillion metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $76,663 (2019) to $88,080 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,467 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,804 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermillion 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) | $73,589 – $78,453 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,453 – $90,247 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,247 – $105,042 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,042 – $110,877 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Vermillion
Currently, six physical therapists work in Vermillion, underscoring a limited but potentially growing job market. With a cost of living index of 92.8, it stands slightly below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay can stretch further compared to higher-cost areas. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer varied pay scales, generally influenced by the physical therapist's productivity rate and whether they operate under a cash-pay model or traditional insurance setups. This variance is largely driven by factors like board certification levels, clinic ownership equity, and potential bonuses tied to productivity. Those aiming to maximize their compensation in this market should consider enhancing their credentials through board specialization (OCS/SCS) and seeking positions in high-demand clinics, as these strategies can significantly impact earning potential in the competitive landscape of physical therapist pay in Vermillion, SD.
More salary data for Vermillion, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Vermillion, SD in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Vermillion?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Vermillion?
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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 $88,080 for physical therapistsin the Vermillion 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 Vermillion 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