Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pierre, SD: $46,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Pierre, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,536 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pierre's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,147 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,807) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, SD, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary for new graduates is projected to be around $46,536 in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city median of $64,807, highlighting a gap that early-career professionals might face. It's essential for new graduates to understand these realistic expectations as they enter the workforce. Over the first few years, salaries can increase significantly; those at the 25th percentile can earn approximately $58,698, while median salaries are achievable as one gains experience. With a projected growth rate of 2.81%, Pierre currently presents a somewhat stable market for occupational therapy assistants, suggesting that new graduates may find opportunities to enhance their skills and income over time.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pierre
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Pierre, SD typically start between $46,536 and $58,698 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,675 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,807 — 12.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in South Dakota of $18,000 represents just 38.68% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($46,536/year) in Pierre. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Pierre
- 1Research the Pierre market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $46,536 to $58,698, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pierre, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Pierre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pierre's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Pierre is $30,675 ( 65.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,536, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,211.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,684
2025 BLS Actual
$45,264
2026 Current Est.
$46,536
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
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 | $36,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,143 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,785 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,264 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,844 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Pierre, SD grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,684 in 2019 to $45,264 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,844. New graduates entering the Pierre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Pierre
Employers in Pierre looking to hire new occupational therapy assistant graduates typically include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which tend to bring on the majority of entry-level COTAs. While pediatric experiences in school districts often offer the benefit of summer-off schedules, new hires in outpatient clinics may face the challenge of needing some experience as many prefer seasoned COTAs, even though they often provide training for recent graduates. Credentials play a significant role in increasing starting pay; acquiring an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam for the COTA credential, and obtaining state licensure is critical. Early-career COTAs must also be aware of the effects of the 15% Medicare Part B cut on their pay, particularly in SNF and outpatient settings, which may impact salary during the first few years. For those looking at sustainable career growth in this field, understanding the job market and strategic planning, like considering advanced practice areas through the AOTA, can significantly influence long-term success in their new roles.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Pierre in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Pierre?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Pierre?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Pierre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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