Recreational Therapist salary in South Dakota
Recreational Therapists in South Dakota earn a median of $46,850 a year ($22.53 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,780 for the top 10%. That is 24% lower than the national median of $61,960. South Dakota ranks 45th of 48 states for recreational therapists pay. There are 0.10 recreational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $53,620, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreational therapists in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,390 | $19.90 |
| 25th percentile | $42,130 | $20.26 |
| Median | $46,850 | $22.53 |
| 75th percentile | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,780 | $40.28 |
| Average (mean) | $53,620 | $25.78 |
Half of recreational therapists 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 | $3,904.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,952.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,801.92 |
| Weekly | $900.96 |
| Hourly | $22.53 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,850 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.
Highest-paying states for recreational therapists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $98,170 |
| District of Columbia | $95,640 |
| New Hampshire | $82,280 |
| Nevada | $78,730 |
| Washington | $77,860 |
| Minnesota | $76,360 |
| Colorado | $66,580 |
| Oregon | $66,530 |
| New York | $65,520 |
| Hawaii | $64,500 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,060 | $37.53 |
| Pharmacist | $146,790 | $70.57 |
| Physical Therapist | $92,660 | $44.55 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,840 | $61.94 |
| Physician Assistant | $133,200 | $64.04 |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,210 | $44.33 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $239,970 | $115.37 |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,050 | $40.89 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $68,240 | $32.81 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $65,680 | $31.58 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $263,930 | $126.89 |
| Dentists, General | $158,140 | $76.03 |
| Veterinarian | $88,650 | $42.62 |
| Chiropractor | $76,210 | $36.64 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1125. 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 recreational therapist make in South Dakota?
The median salary for recreational therapists in South Dakota is $46,850 a year, or $22.53 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,780 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreational therapists make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of recreational therapists in South Dakota earn at least $83,780 a year. The top 25% earn $60,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreational therapists in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,390 a year, and a quarter of recreational therapists earn $42,130 or less.
How many recreational therapists work in South Dakota?
About 40 recreational therapists are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.