Occupational Therapist salary in South Dakota
Occupational Therapists in South Dakota earn a median of $85,050 a year ($40.89 an hour), based on BLS data for 490 workers.
Pay ranges from $65,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $106,520 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $100,330. South Dakota ranks 48th of 51 states for occupational therapists pay. There are 1.1 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $88,150, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapists in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,820 | $31.64 |
| 25th percentile | $80,720 | $38.81 |
| Median | $85,050 | $40.89 |
| 75th percentile | $99,940 | $48.05 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $106,520 | $51.21 |
| Average (mean) | $88,150 | $42.38 |
Half of occupational therapists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,087.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,543.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,271.15 |
| Weekly | $1,635.58 |
| Hourly | $40.89 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $85,050 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapist salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | $99,120 | 80 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $92,600 | 50 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $84,660 | 260 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,510 |
| Oregon | $112,310 |
| Nevada | $110,520 |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 |
| Washington | $107,670 |
| Maryland | $106,980 |
| Colorado | $106,720 |
| Arkansas | $106,360 |
| Texas | $106,140 |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,060 | $37.53 |
| Pharmacist | $146,790 | $70.57 |
| Physical Therapist | $92,660 | $44.55 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,840 | $61.94 |
| Physician Assistant | $133,200 | $64.04 |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,210 | $44.33 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $239,970 | $115.37 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $68,240 | $32.81 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $65,680 | $31.58 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $263,930 | $126.89 |
| Dentists, General | $158,140 | $76.03 |
| Veterinarian | $88,650 | $42.62 |
| Chiropractor | $76,210 | $36.64 |
| Anesthesiologist | $239,200+ | $115.00+ |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1122. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapist make in South Dakota?
The median salary for occupational therapists in South Dakota is $85,050 a year, or $40.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $65,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $106,520 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in South Dakota earn at least $106,520 a year. The top 25% earn $99,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $65,820 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $80,720 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in South Dakota?
About 490 occupational therapists are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.