Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Spearfish, SD: $66,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Spearfish, SD earns a median $66,140/year (≈ $31.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Spearfish's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $71,272 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Spearfish, South Dakota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $66,140 in 2026. This figure represents a competitive compensation level, though it falls approximately 11.02% below the national median of $74,332 for the same year. Salary ranges in Spearfish vary significantly, from $47,754 at the 10th percentile to $75,139 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for variance based on experience, setting, and productivity expectations. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and the area's cost of living. With only five occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Spearfish, the local job market remains niche, providing opportunities for professionals to establish a foothold in the community.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,754 | $22.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,096 | $28.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,140 | $31.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,215 | $33.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,139 | $36.13 |
Median Salary Position
11.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
In Spearfish, SD, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,385 (2026 est.). At $66,140, the local median is 11.02% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Spearfish: You'd be above the median
How Spearfish Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Spearfish median: $66,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spearfish Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $68,967 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -11.02% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Spearfish, SD earn a median of $66,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $68,967.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spearfish 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.
Spearfish, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $66,140 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,272 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,731
2025 BLS Actual
$64,332
2026 Current Est.
$66,140
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,731 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,004 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,927 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,169 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,388 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,332 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,998 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spearfish metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $54,731 (2019) to $64,332 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,998 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,267 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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) | $47,754 – $60,096 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,096 – $66,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,140 – $69,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,215 – $75,139 |
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 Spearfish
Examining the job market dynamics for occupational therapy assistant pay in Spearfish SD reveals a nuanced picture influenced by the cost-of-living index, which stands at 92.8. This situates the local economy slightly below the national average, allowing salaries to stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest wages, followed by hospital inpatient rehab settings, outpatient clinics, and early intervention programs. Factors contributing to salary variability include hospital settings generally offering higher compensation than schools and skilled nursing facilities, influenced by productivity expectations and the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement impacting outpatient and SNF settings. Occupational therapy assistants looking to maximize their pay may consider pursuing additional certifications or specialized roles, such as those in rehabilitation hospitals, where they can command higher rates compared to traditional outpatient models. Understanding local employment trends and strategically choosing work environments can significantly enhance earning potential in Spearfish.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Spearfish?
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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 $64,332 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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