Healthcare Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Physical Therapist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median physical therapist salary in Rapid City, SD is $87,948 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$87,948
vs State Avg
+$1,954
vs National
$-9,772
Cost of Living
90%

Physical Therapist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median physical therapist salary of $87,948, which is $1,954 above the South Dakota state average of $85,994. Compared to the national median of $97,720, 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 physical therapists in Rapid City spans from $60,120 at the 10th percentile to $117,180 at the 90th percentile — a $57,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,200, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $61,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $60,120
25th Percentile $72,180
Median (50th) $87,948
75th Percentile $104,760
90th Percentile $117,180

Physical Therapist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$89,902
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$84,039
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$82,085
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$80,130
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Rapid City

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Rapid City 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 Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open physical therapist positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $87,948 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $60,120 (10th percentile) to $117,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,948, a physical therapist in Rapid City earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median physical therapist salary of $87,948 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $85,994. 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 physical therapist salary of $87,948 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Rapid City? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Rapid City 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.