Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $61,951 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $61,951/year (≈ $29.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $66,758 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, physical therapist assistants in Aberdeen, South Dakota, can expect a median annual salary of $61,951. When examining the broader financial picture, salaries range from $45,314 at the lower end (P10) to $77,676 for those at the higher end (P90). These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost adjustments. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73% annually, those entering the PTA field now can grasp substantial increases in lifetime earnings, especially if they pursue advanced degrees through PTA-to-DPT bridge programs. Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating the local job market effectively.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,314 | $21.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,085 | $26.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,951 | $29.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,397 | $34.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,676 | $37.34 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,362 (2026 est.). At $61,951, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be above the median
How Aberdeen Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $61,951/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $65,212 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -11.81% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $61,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $65,212.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $61,951 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,758 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,847
2025 BLS Actual
$60,305
2026 Current Est.
$61,951
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,712 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,955 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,951 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,643 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $51,847 (2019) to $60,305 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,643 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,796 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,314 – $55,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,085 – $61,951 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,951 – $71,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,397 – $77,676 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Aberdeen
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Aberdeen currently employs a small cohort of five individuals, indicating a tight-knit community within this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, which is below the national average, many professionals in this area benefit from relatively higher purchasing power despite slightly lower salaries compared to national figures. Outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer the most competitive compensation, particularly those with a focus on productivity and high patient volumes. However, factors such as setting impact wages significantly, with hospital-based roles usually offering better pay due to higher productivity expectations and varying reimbursement levels from Medicare, including the recent cuts affecting PTA services. To enhance earning potential in Aberdeen SD, seeking positions that include weekend or PRN opportunities, or pursuing advanced certifications, can provide strategic advantages in this evolving field.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Aberdeen, SD in 2026?
Is Aberdeen, SD a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Aberdeen?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Aberdeen?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Aberdeen?
Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,305 for physical therapist assistantsin the Aberdeen metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen 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