Physical Therapist Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $82,085 (2026)

Physical Therapist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median physical therapist salary of $82,085, which is $3,909 below the South Dakota state average of $85,994. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $82,085 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Aberdeen spans from $56,112 at the 10th percentile to $109,368 at the 90th percentile — a $53,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,120, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,520. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $57,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,120

$-10,880 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,320

$-15,680 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$107,520

$-20,480 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$56,112	$58,784	$66,800
25th Percentile	$67,368	$70,576	$80,200
Median (50th)	$82,085	$85,994	$97,720
75th Percentile	$97,776	$102,432	$116,400
90th Percentile	$109,368	$114,576	$130,200

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$56,112

25th Percentile

$67,368

Median (50th)

$82,085

75th Percentile

$97,776

90th Percentile

$109,368

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Aberdeen

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $82,085 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $56,112 (10th percentile) to $109,368 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $82,085, a physical therapist in Aberdeen earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median physical therapist salary of $82,085 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $85,994. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $82,085 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Aberdeen? ▼

Most physical therapist positions in Aberdeen require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.

Physical Therapist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota