Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in South Dakota
Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Dakota earn a median of $56,180 a year ($27.01 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,800 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $72,300. South Dakota ranks 49th of 50 states for occupational therapy assistants pay. There are 0.21 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.65). The average (mean) salary is $55,470, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,110 | $19.29 |
| 25th percentile | $48,470 | $23.30 |
| Median | $56,180 | $27.01 |
| 75th percentile | $59,670 | $28.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,800 | $35.00 |
| Average (mean) | $55,470 | $26.67 |
Half of occupational therapy assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,681.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,340.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,160.77 |
| Weekly | $1,080.38 |
| Hourly | $27.01 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $56,180 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $56,180 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 |
| California | $81,770 |
| Texas | $81,500 |
| Nevada | $79,510 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 |
| Delaware | $78,640 |
| Washington | $77,590 |
| New Mexico | $77,020 |
| Oregon | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $75,920 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $49,310 | $23.71 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $31,330 | $15.06 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,800 | $18.65 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $37,740 | $18.15 |
| Medical Assistant | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| Dental Assistant | $47,900 | $23.03 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $42,330 | $20.35 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,560 | $19.02 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $44,610 | $21.45 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $46,070 | $22.15 |
| Massage Therapist | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $36,130 | $17.37 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make in South Dakota?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in South Dakota is $56,180 a year, or $27.01 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,800 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in South Dakota earn at least $72,800 a year. The top 25% earn $59,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,110 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $48,470 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in South Dakota?
About 100 occupational therapy assistants are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.