Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Spearfish, SD: $30.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Spearfish, SD runs $30.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,506 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Spearfish's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,501 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Spearfish, South Dakota, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.05 in 2026, which sits below the national median of $33.77 per hour. This discrepancy highlights the local economic factors that may influence pay rates. For part-time or per-diem physical therapist assistants working in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health, this hourly rate reflects the income potential available for those seeking flexible schedules. Newcomers in the field can expect to earn around $21.25 per hour, while experienced professionals can maximize their earnings with rates reaching $36.04. These figures are derived from estimates based on annual salary data and emphasize the varying opportunities based on experience and placement within the healthcare structure in Spearfish.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.25 | $170.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.96 | $223.70 |
| Median (P50) | $30.05 | $240.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.07 | $264.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.04 | $288.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spearfish
Based on $30.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.05/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spearfish, SD can expect to earn approximately $62,501 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,058. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Spearfish.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spearfish
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,201.94 | $5,208 | $62,501 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.16 | $3,125 | $37,501 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.78 | $2,083 | $25,000 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Spearfish) | $30.05 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Spearfish, SD earn a median of $62,506 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $65,178.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.05/hr = $37,501/year (purchasing power: $40,410).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,501/year (purchasing power: $67,350).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Spearfish grew 16.3% from $25.15/hr (2019) to $29.25/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Spearfish
Part-time physical therapist assistants in Spearfish who work three days a week, averaging 24 hours, may find they earn around $37,761 annually, a figure that can significantly impact their lifestyle choices compared to full-time positions. For those considering per diem roles, compensation typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour; travel contracts can yield revenue between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, these positions can fluctuate, especially due to the 15% Medicare cut effects faced since 2022, which may compress wages in settings that rely heavily on Medicare reimbursement, such as skilled nursing facilities. Hourly pay rates also differ among employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering more competitive rates than school therapy programs or home health agencies. Some physical therapist assistants choose lower hourly rates with employment benefits while others opt for higher pay without benefits, illustrating the trade-offs involved. For those negotiating hourly rates in Spearfish, it is advisable to highlight relevant experience, demonstrate flexibility, and inquire about potential bonuses or benefits to secure a favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Spearfish in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Spearfish?
Are physical therapist assistants in Spearfish paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Spearfish?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Spearfish?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Spearfish. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spearfish is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov