2026 Salary — South Dakota
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in South Dakota: $93K Median
Physical Therapists in South Dakota earn between $70K and $121K per year.
That's -7% below the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in South Dakota is $92,730 per year — -7% below the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $69,750 (entry, 25th percentile) to $120,900 (90th percentile). South Dakota's cost-of-living index is 93. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Median
$92,730
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$72,540
Experienced
$106,950
Top 10%
$120,900
About Physical Therapists in South Dakota
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in South Dakota
Walk-away anchor: $84,300.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — South Dakota
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in South Dakota?
The average Physical Therapist salary in South Dakota is $92,730 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $69,750 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $120,900 (90th percentile). South Dakota has no state income tax — increasing take-home meaningfully.
How does Physical Therapist pay in South Dakota compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in South Dakota earn approximately 7% less than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $92,730 in South Dakota). South Dakota's cost-of-living index of 93 amplifies the real purchasing power.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in South Dakota increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in South Dakota grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $14,050 in 2025 to $92,730 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which South Dakota cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
South Dakota has no major metros in our database — fallback to the closest tracked city for detailed breakdowns.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in South Dakota?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. South Dakota's top industries include Finance (Credit Cards), Agriculture, Tourism, and the state's unemployment rate is 2.5% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does South Dakota have state income tax?
No, South Dakota has no state income tax. This significantly boosts take-home pay vs comparable salaries in tax states like California or New York. At $92,730, you keep all of it (after federal + FICA).
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with South Dakota employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in South Dakota?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for South Dakota: $84,300.
Methodology
South Dakota Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by South Dakota's state multiplier (0.93×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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