Application Fee
See agencyVerified by SD Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in South Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
The practice of physical therapy is the examination and evaluation of patients with mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments, functional limitation, and disability or other similar conditions in order to determine a diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,840 median (24% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in South Dakota
With a median salary of $49,840, Physical Therapist Assistants in South Dakota earn 24% below the national median of $65,510. South Dakota ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,123Median annual salary
$49,840Hourly estimate
$23.9624% below national median
Difference: -$15,670
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $79,410 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $77,780 |
| #3 | Alaska | $76,310 |
| #4 | Texas | $76,250 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $74,780 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $49,840 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $59,970 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,240 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $60,720 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $60,430 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $60,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Montana | $62,540 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
101 N Main Ave Ste 301, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
Phone: 6053677781
Related Careers in South Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,200 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $102,310 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in South Dakota?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Dakota is $49,840. Salaries range from $38,960 (10th percentile) to $63,950 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in South Dakota earn 24% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $49,840.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in South Dakota?
South Dakota employs approximately 300 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to South Dakota from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Dakota?
The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.sdbmoe.gov/.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in South Dakota?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.