Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs in South Dakota
Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in South Dakota are in steady demand, with openings concentrated in rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, critical access hospitals, and outpatient orthopedic clinics that serve the state's aging rural population. Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Sanford Health, Monument Health, and Avera Health run active physical therapy programs. Orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric care, and post-acute recovery are the specialties seeing the most consistent openings across entry-level and experienced roles alike. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Hiring a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) for a contract position in Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
13 week contract assignment
Monday – Friday schedule
Expected 40 hours per week
Compensation:
Local Pay: $34/hr
Estimated Travel Weekly Pay: $1,538 gross / 40 hrs ($38/hr)
Travel per diems follow GSA guidelines.
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Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physical therapist assistant jobs across South Dakota.
- Active physical therapist assistant license issued or recognized by the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
- Associate degree in physical therapist assistant from a CAPTE-accredited program
- Current passage of the NPTE-PTA administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- Ability to assist licensed physical therapists with patient treatment plans and document progress accurately
- CPR and Basic Life Support certification current at time of hire
- Prior clinical experience in orthopedic, geriatric, or post-acute rehabilitation settings preferred
Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physical therapist assistant in South Dakota?
You must earn an associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program, then pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs, and apply for licensure through the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. The board issues your license once your exam results and application materials are verified. South Dakota does not participate in the PTA Compact, so candidates licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement directly through the board.
How much do physical therapist assistants make in South Dakota?
Physical therapist assistants in South Dakota earn a median of about $49,310 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $40,120 for the lowest 10% to over $63,930 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire physical therapist assistants in South Dakota?
Companies currently hiring physical therapist assistants in South Dakota include Reliant Rehabilitation, HiredFirst, and Monument Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Large integrated health systems like Sanford Health and Avera Health have some of the most consistent openings across their South Dakota hospital and outpatient clinic locations.
Which South Dakota cities have the most physical therapist assistant jobs?
Rapid City, Mitchell, and South Dakota have the most physical therapist assistant openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls drives the largest share of listings as the state's biggest metro, home to the flagship campuses of Sanford Health and Avera Health, while Rapid City and Aberdeen add meaningful volume through Monument Health and regional critical access hospital networks serving surrounding rural communities.
Are there remote physical therapist assistant jobs in South Dakota?
Yes, but they're rare. Physical therapist assistant work is hands-on by nature, requiring direct patient contact for therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional mobility training, so fully remote roles almost never exist in this field. About 33% of physical therapist assistant openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically involve administrative, documentation, or telehealth coordination duties rather than direct patient care.
How can I get hired as a physical therapist assistant in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate positions at South Dakota's large health systems, particularly Sanford Health and Avera Health, which regularly bring on candidates who have completed their CAPTE-accredited degree and clinical rotations but have not yet accumulated post-licensure experience. Completing clinical affiliation hours at a South Dakota facility during your program gives you a significant advantage, as hiring managers often extend offers to students they already know. Adjacent roles like rehabilitation aide or restorative nursing assistant can also open the door at facilities that promote from within once you hold your license.
Where can I find and apply to physical therapist assistant jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to physical therapist assistant jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Search the listings below to see roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
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