Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rapid City, SD: $58,878 (2026)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878, which is $1,308 above the South Dakota state average of $57,570. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Rapid City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rapid City's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Rapid City spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,800 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,600

$-4,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,400

$-6,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,200

$-8,800 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$37,800	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$46,800	$45,760	$52,000
Median (50th)	$58,878	$57,570	$65,420
75th Percentile	$72,000	$70,400	$80,000
90th Percentile	$82,800	$80,960	$92,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$37,800

25th Percentile

$46,800

Median (50th)

$58,878

75th Percentile

$72,000

90th Percentile

$82,800

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Rapid City

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $58,878 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $82,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,878, a occupational therapy assistant in Rapid City earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Rapid City's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $57,570. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼

Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Rapid City? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Rapid City require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota