Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pierre, SD: $77,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Pierre, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,211/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Pierre's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,202 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, the potential for experienced occupational therapy assistants to earn top salaries is significant. In 2026, senior professionals can expect to see salaries reaching up to $77,211 for the top 90th percentile (P90), providing a stark contrast to the median annual salary of $64,807. This gap illustrates the experience premium that can be achieved through advanced skills and specialized knowledge. Attaining these higher pay levels often requires additional credentials, such as the COTA certification from the NBCOT, and focusing on in-demand specializations that enhance marketability in a competitive landscape.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Pierre earn between $70,040 and $77,211 per year (2026 est.). This $30,675 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pierre median of $64,807 sits 12.81% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Pierre | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,807 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,040 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,211 | $92,303 |
In Pierre, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 19.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Pierre
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $64,807 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pierre employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Pierre command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,040–$77,211 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pierre metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Pierre with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Pierre
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPierre ranks #4 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $77,211).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Pierre ($77,211) is 0.51% below the South Dakota average P90 ($77,606).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,769
2025 BLS Actual
$75,101
2026 Current Est.
$77,211
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
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 | $68,769 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,588 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,101 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,381 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Pierre saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $68,769 in 2019 to $75,101 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $79,381 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Pierre
For those aiming for senior occupational therapy assistant pay in SD, the path to elevated earnings is often linked to specialization and employer type. Areas such as pediatric therapy, geriatric care in skilled nursing facilities, mental health support, and hand therapy are currently commanding higher compensation. Different employment settings also influence earning potential; for example, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units typically offer more financial incentive compared to school districts or outpatient clinics. As professionals progress, opportunities for leadership roles such as lead OTA, clinic operations coordinator, or educator emerge, increasing overall compensation. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials beyond the core OTA qualifications—such as further certifications through the AOTA—can provide critical advantages. Non-salary compensation factors, including the implications of the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, are also important considerations for senior practitioners in shaping their career trajectory and income.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Pierre in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Pierre?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Pierre?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Pierre?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $75,101 for occupational therapy assistants in the Pierre metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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