📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Occupational Therapist Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$81,067
per year
Median
$79,614
per year
Hourly
$38.97
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$55,660
25th Percentile — Junior$66,962
50th Percentile — Median$79,614
75th Percentile — Senior$92,390
90th Percentile — Top Earners$100,595
💡 Top-earning Occupational Therapists in South Dakota make up to $100,595 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$66.3k
2021
$69.0k
2022
$71.9k
2023
$74.8k
2024
$77.9k
2025
$81.1k
2026
📈 Occupational Therapist salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 4.1% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Occupational Therapist Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $81,067 +0% High
🔍
Occupational Therapist Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Occupational Therapists. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $81,067 per year, South Dakota's Occupational Therapist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Dakota (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Dakota can expect to earn $55,660–$66,962, while experienced Occupational Therapists can command $92,390–$100,595.

Looking ahead, the Occupational Therapist profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 4.1% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Occupational Therapist salary in South Dakota is $81,067 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $93,180.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Occupational Therapists the highest wages in South Dakota due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Dakota has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Finance, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for Occupational Therapist employment.
  • At $81,067/year, South Dakota Occupational Therapist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $93,180/year.