Physical Therapist in Pierre, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Pierre Stands

As a Physical Therapist (PT) considering Pierre, you're looking at a market that pays slightly below the national average but offers a significantly lower cost of living. The median salary for a PT in Pierre is $96,569/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.43/hour. This is about 3% lower than the national average of $99,710/year, but that gap closes—and often inverts—once you factor in local expenses.

The job market is small but stable. There are approximately 28 Physical Therapist jobs in the Pierre metro area, which serves a population of 14,008. This means the market is tight; employers know each other, and a good reputation spreads quickly. The 10-year job growth projection is 14%, which is healthy, driven by an aging population and the state's focus on rural healthcare access.

Here’s how experience level impacts your earning potential in South Dakota, based on state-specific data and regional trends:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Pierre, SD)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $88,000
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$92,000 - $105,000
Senior	9-15 years	$108,000 - $125,000
Expert/ Specialist	15+ years	$125,000+

Note: These ranges are synthesized from South Dakota Department of Labor data and BLS regional figures. The median of $96,569 sits firmly in the mid-career range.

When compared to other South Dakota cities, Pierre's salary sits in the middle. Sioux Falls, the state's largest metro, typically pays a premium (median around $102,000), but the cost of living is also higher. Rapid City offers similar salaries to Pierre, with slightly more competition from the tourist-driven healthcare needs. Brookings and Aberdeen often pay less, making Pierre a solid choice for balancing income and affordability.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Pierre, many PT positions, especially at state-run facilities, come with robust benefits packages including state retirement plans (PERA), which can add 10-15% to your total compensation value.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. With a median salary of $96,569, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state (5.03% SD income tax), and FICA taxes will be approximately $5,800 - $6,000 per month, depending on your withholding status.

Pierre’s average 1-bedroom rent is $760/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 89.5 (US avg = 100). This is your greatest financial advantage. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single PT earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,900	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$760	City average
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet)	$250	Winters are cold; heating costs are real.
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential; public transit is limited.
Student Loans	$350	Varies; average PT debt is high.
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-subsidized is common.
Savings/Retirement	$700	15% of gross is ideal.
Discretionary	$1,690	Eating out, entertainment, travel.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $96,569 salary and low housing costs, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Pierre is roughly $225,000. A 20% down payment is $45,000, and with a 30-year mortgage at 7%, your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,400. That's less than double the average rent, and it builds equity. Many local PTs I know bought homes within 2-3 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Pierre's Major Employers

The job market for PTs in Pierre is dominated by a few key players. With only 28 jobs in the metro, knowing who to target is critical. Hiring trends show a preference for local candidates or those with clear ties to the region, as turnover is low.

1. Avera St. Luke's Hospital: The largest employer in the region. Their rehab department handles inpatient, outpatient, and home health. They often post jobs for PTs with orthopedic and neurological specialties. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value experience and local culture fit.
2. Sanford USD Medical Center: Sanford's Pierre facility is part of the massive Sioux Falls-based system. They have a strong outpatient orthopedic clinic and are expanding into pediatric therapy. They pay at the higher end of the median (closer to $100,000+) and offer excellent benefits, including relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
3. South Dakota State Hospital: A major state-run facility employing a significant number of PTs. The work is behavioral health-focused, requiring a different skill set. Jobs here are posted on the state's official careers website. Hiring cycles can be slow due to state bureaucracy, but the jobs are very stable with great benefits and pension (PERA).
4. State of South Dakota (Department of Health): This includes public health clinics and school-based PT positions. School PT jobs are especially coveted for their schedule (summers off) and are often filled through the South Dakota Department of Education.
5. Pierre Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine: A local private practice group that's a major outpatient ortho player. They are often the first call for athletes from Pierre's high schools and the state college. They tend to hire new graduates for mentorship programs.
6. Great Plains Regional Medical Center (in nearby Aberdeen, 2 hours away): While not in Pierre, many PTs live in central SD for the lifestyle and commute to Aberdeen for a higher salary. This is a common "insider" strategy for a $5,000-$10,000 salary bump if you're willing to drive.
7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Avera at Home or local independents. These offer flexibility and autonomy. Pay is often salaried or per-visit, and can match or exceed the median if you manage a large caseload.

Insider Tip: Many jobs in Pierre are never advertised online. The most effective method is to call the rehab department managers at Avera St. Luke's and Sanford directly. Introduce yourself, express your interest in the community, and ask if they anticipate openings. The local network is key.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy governs licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program (DPT).
2. Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the South Dakota Jurisprudence Exam (online, open-book).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check.
5. Application: Complete the online application via the Board's website and pay the fees.

Costs (approximate):

• Licensing Application Fee: $150
• NPTE Exam Fee: $485
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $50
• Background Check: $45
• Total: ~$730 (not including exam prep materials or travel for testing).

Timeline:

• 1-2 Months: Study for and take the NPTE. Score results take 5-7 business days.
• 1 Week: Take the SD Jurisprudence Exam online.
• 2-4 Weeks: Submit application, get fingerprints, and wait for board approval. The Board meets monthly, so timing is important.
• Total: Plan for 3-4 months from start to holding your active license. If you're moving for a job, start the process at least 3 months before your start date. Employers like Avera and Sanford will often hold a position for a qualified candidate while they get licensed.

Note for Compact State PTs: South Dakota is not part of the PT Licensure Compact. You cannot use a compact privilege to practice here; you must obtain a full SD license.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Pierre is a small, functional city. There are no true "bad" neighborhoods, but each area offers a different lifestyle. Commutes are short—most are under 10 minutes anywhere in town.

1. Downtown Pierre: The historic heart of the city. You'll find state government workers, young professionals, and empty-nesters. It's walkable, with cafes and local shops. Rent for a 1BR in a renovated historic building is higher, about $850-$1,000. Ideal for someone who wants to be in the middle of the action and can walk to work if you're at the Capitol complex.
2. East Pierre / Capitol Area: The area surrounding the State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion. This is a quiet, well-kept residential neighborhood with older, larger homes. It's where many long-time state employees and professionals live. Rent for a 1BR is around $800. Very low crime, excellent for safety.
3. West River Road Area: Located on the Missouri River, this area offers stunning views and a more suburban feel. You'll find newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. It's a short drive to shopping centers and has easy access to the river for recreation. Average 1BR rent is $750-$850. Great for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. The North End (near 17th Ave): This is a more affordable, family-oriented area with a mix of older homes and apartments. It's close to schools and has a practical, no-frills vibe. Rent is very reasonable, often $650-$750 for a 1BR. A good choice for new grads looking to save money.
5. Fort Pierre (Just across the River): A 5-minute commute from downtown Pierre, Fort Pierre has a small-town feel with lower housing costs. Many families choose to live here for the space and community. Rent for a 1BR can be as low as $600-$700. You get more house for your money, but you'll need to drive for most groceries and services.

Insider Tip: If you have kids, look at the Pierre School District boundaries. The elementary schools are highly rated, and being in a good school zone can affect your home's resale value. Also, consider the winter commute; areas with less on-street parking and plowing priority can be a hassle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Pierre, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder but about deepening your expertise and diversifying your roles.

Specialty Premiums:
While specific data for Pierre is scarce, national trends hold true. Specialties can add $5,000-$15,000 to your base salary.

• Orthopedics & Sports: The most common specialty. Premium is modest (~$5k) but jobs are plentiful.
• Neurology: High demand, especially with the state hospital. Can command a $10k+ premium.
• Pediatrics: Growing need in schools and clinics. Premium is around $7k.
• Home Health: Pay is often productivity-based. Top performers can earn $105,000+.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Specialist: Become the go-to expert in a niche (e.g., vestibular rehab, pelvic health). You'll get referrals from across the region.
2. Management: Move into a Rehab Manager role at Avera or Sanford. This path moves you away from direct patient care but increases your salary and influence.
3. Private Practice Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Pierre is underserved for niche outpatient clinics (e.g., pelvic health, pediatric therapy). Starting a solo practice is viable due to the low overhead and supportive business community.
4. Education & Mentorship: Partner with local high schools or the state university extension to offer injury prevention workshops. This builds your reputation and can lead to consulting gigs.

10-Year Outlook:
With 14% job growth projected, demand will remain steady. The biggest factor will be South Dakota's aging population. The need for geriatric and post-op rehab will surge. PTs who position themselves in home health or outpatient geriatrics will see the most opportunities. The state is also investing in telehealth, so becoming proficient in remote therapy could be a future-proof skill.

The Verdict: Is Pierre Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (Index 89.5) makes a $96,569 salary feel like $120,000+ nationally.	Limited Job Market (only 28 jobs). Less room for lateral moves.
Short Commutes & easy parking (no traffic).	Isolation. The nearest major city (Sioux Falls) is a 2.5-hour drive.
Strong, Stable Employers (Avera, Sanford, State). Job security is high.	Limited Cultural Diversity. The community is predominantly white and conservative.
Outdoor Recreation (Missouri River, hunting, fishing, hiking).	Harsh Winters with snow and cold from November to March.
Tight-Knit Professional Community for networking.	Fewer Continuing Ed Opportunities; may need to travel for conferences.
Excellent for Homeownership & Saving.	Social Scene is quiet; not for young singles seeking a vibrant nightlife.

Final Recommendation:
Pierre is an exceptional choice for a Physical Therapist who values financial stability, work-life balance, and a slower pace of life. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or save aggressively for the future. It's also a great fit for new grads who want to gain broad experience in a supportive environment without the stress of a massive city. However, if you crave constant cultural events, a diverse social scene, or frequent travel to major hubs, the isolation may wear on you. For the right person, Pierre offers a rare combination of meaningful work, a comfortable salary, and an unparalleled quality of life.

FAQs

Q: What's the real estate market like for a PT earning $96,569?
A: Very favorable. With a median home price of $225,000, a 20% down payment is $45,000. Your mortgage payment would be around $1,400/month, which is easily manageable on a PT's salary. The market is competitive for the few listings available, but there's less competition than in larger cities.

Q: Is it hard to make friends and build a social circle as a newcomer?
A: It takes effort, but it's doable. The professional community is small and welcoming. Attend local events, join a church or community group, and frequent the same local coffee shops or gyms. People are generally friendly and curious about newcomers. The "insider tip" is to get involved with the South Dakota Physical Therapy Association (SDPTA) local chapter.

Q: How do winters really affect the job?
A: They affect your commute and personal life more than your work. Avera and Sanford are fully equipped for winter operations. However, you will need a reliable vehicle with all-wheel drive and good tires. Some home health visits may be rescheduled during blizzards, but you're generally paid for your scheduled time. Plan for a heating budget of $200-$300/month in deep winter.

Q: Can I live in Pierre without a car?
A: No. Public transportation is extremely limited. While you might be able to walk to work if you live downtown, you will need a car for groceries, healthcare appointments, and any travel outside of the immediate city center. It's a non-negotiable part of life in Pierre.

Q: What's the state of the school system for PTs with families?
A: The Pierre School District (and the neighboring Fort Pierre district) is well-regarded, with small class sizes and strong community support. PTs with kids often cite the safety and the quality of school sports and activities as major perks. The state also offers excellent family leave benefits for state employees.