Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $31.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Yankton, SD runs $31.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,306 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,788 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, South Dakota, the projected median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $31.88, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate presents a solid opportunity for part-time workers, especially those who may choose to work three days a week, thus shaping their schedules to fit personal needs or educational pursuits. For per-diem professionals, this translates to competitive rates particularly in various therapeutic settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. The hourly pay range allows for entry-level positions starting at about $24.15, while those at the top of their field can expect up to $36.36 per hour in Yankton.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.15 | $193.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.81 | $222.48 |
| Median (P50) | $31.88 | $255.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.45 | $267.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.36 | $290.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $31.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $66,313 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,258. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.26 | $5,526 | $66,313 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.15 | $3,316 | $39,788 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.10 | $2,210 | $26,525 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Yankton) | $31.88 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Yankton, SD earn a median of $66,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $68,997.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.88/hr = $39,788/year (purchasing power: $42,875).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,313/year (purchasing power: $71,458).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Yankton grew 17.5% from $26.38/hr (2019) to $31.01/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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 2.81% 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 Occupational Therapy Assistant in Yankton
Part-time occupational therapy assistants earning $31.88 per hour working three days a week would take home approximately $49,000 annually, which can provide a stable lifestyle, though it's less lucrative than full-time counterparts. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, rates generally range from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on demand and facility types. Contract positions, especially for travel COTAs, command rates between $1,100 to $1,700 weekly but have seen fluctuations due to recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursements in skilled nursing facilities. Pay rates vary considerably among employers, with benefits often influencing hourly decisions; some may opt for lower-paying roles to secure health benefits. For occupational therapy assistants in Yankton, effective negotiation can also play a key role in shaping compensation, making it essential to understand the specific employer's compensation packages while advocating for fair hourly rates, especially given the evolving landscape shaped by organizations like AOTA and the regulatory oversight from NBCOT.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Yankton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Yankton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Yankton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Yankton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Yankton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
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 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Yankton. 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 Yankton 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov