Pierre vs Rapid City: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,807 | $69,778▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.16 | $33.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,536 | $49,591▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,698 | $58,958▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,040 | $76,991▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,211 | $87,123▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $4,971 (7.67%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $30,675,Rapid City spans $37,532. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($75,192 effective) pays 7.67% more than Pierre ($69,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,778/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,123)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,192)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Pierre grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$52,312 (2024) → $63,036 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$56,325 (2024) → $67,871 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Pierre or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Pierre vs Rapid City?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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