Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pierre, SD: $64,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Pierre, SD earns a median $64,807/year (≈ $31.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $69,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Pierre, South Dakota, can expect a median annual salary of $64,807 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332, reflecting a regional economic context. The salary range in this city is projected to vary significantly, with entry-level positions earning as little as $46,536 and more experienced practitioners possibly making up to $77,211. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations. For those considering advancing their career through COTA-to-MOT bridge programs, transitioning to a Master’s degree can substantially enhance lifetime earnings, making it a valuable pursuit in the long run, especially in a city like Pierre where job opportunities for occupational therapy assistants remain competitive within specified healthcare settings.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,536 | $22.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,698 | $28.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,807 | $31.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,040 | $33.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,211 | $37.12 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,675 (2026 est.). At $64,807, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be above the median
How Pierre Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Pierre median: $64,807/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $68,944 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.81% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pierre, SD earn a median of $64,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $68,944.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre 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.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $64,807 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,835 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,629
2025 BLS Actual
$63,036
2026 Current Est.
$64,807
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,875 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,017 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,424 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,312 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,628 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,629 (2019) to $63,036 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,628 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,999 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,536 – $58,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,698 – $64,807 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,807 – $70,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,040 – $77,211 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Pierre
The occupational therapy assistant job market in Pierre is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in the field. This limited pool reflects the city's cost-of-living index of 92.8, which suggests that living expenses are below the national average, potentially enhancing the purchasing power of these salaries. Within the local market, pay can vary widely based on employment setting; skilled nursing facilities often provide the highest compensations, whereas positions in school districts and outpatient clinics may offer lower wages. Factors like productivity requirements and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut have further compressed pay in certain areas. To maximize earnings, potential COTAs should consider opportunities in high-paying environments while also exploring year-round contracts or weekend shifts that may offer additional financial incentives in Pierre.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Pierre, SD in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Pierre?
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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
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 $63,036 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Pierre metropolitan area. A 2.81% 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 Pierre 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