Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in South Dakota

South Dakota PT Tech Job Market

South Dakota offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -9% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

230+ PT Tech positions open annually across South Dakota. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$32,280 average salary, -9% vs national vs national. Metro South Dakota pays even higher—up to $42,000 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to Sanford Health and other leading healthcare facilities across South Dakota.

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Career Growth

Major employers offer tuition reimbursement for PT Techs pursuing PTA degrees. Clear advancement pathways available.

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

PT Techs work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, providing essential support for patient care and clinic operations.

✓ Daily PT Tech Responsibilities

● Patient Exercise Assistance: Guide patients through therapeutic exercises prescribed by the PT, ensuring proper form and safety
● Treatment Preparation: Set up treatment areas, prepare equipment, apply hot/cold packs, and ready modalities like ultrasound
● Patient Transfers: Assist patients with mobility, transfers between surfaces, and safe ambulation with devices
● Equipment Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, and maintain therapy equipment; report any malfunctions
● Documentation Support: Record patient attendance, exercise completion, and observations for PT review
● Patient Transport: Escort patients to and from treatment areas; assist with wheelchairs and walkers

🏥 Work Settings in South Dakota

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Regional Health alone has 100+ SD locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: Sanford Health and hospital rehab units. Complex cases including stroke, TBI, spinal cord injuries.
● Hospital PT Departments: Acute care settings at major systems like Hackensack Meridian and Monument Health.
● Skilled Nursing Facilities: Post-acute rehabilitation for elderly patients. Consistent schedules, growing demand.
● Sports Medicine: Athletic training facilities, sports PT clinics. Work with athletes at all levels.
● Home Health: Travel to patient homes. Higher pay, mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling.

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PT Tech vs. Other Healthcare Roles

Physical Therapy Technicians focus specifically on PT support tasks. PT Techs do not perform clinical tasks like blood draws, EKGs, medication administration, or wound care—those are performed by nurses, PCTs, or medical assistants. PT Techs work exclusively within the physical therapy department under PT supervision.

Top PT Tech Employers in South Dakota

South Dakota's largest health systems and rehabilitation facilities are actively hiring PT Techs. These employers offer competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Sanford Health

Regional System

Sioux Falls

Dominant regional system

605-333-1000 View Jobs →

Avera Health

Healthcare Leader

Sioux Falls/Statewide

Major competitor

605-322-4500 View Jobs →

Monument Health

Regional Provider

Rapid City

Black Hills region

605-755-1000 View Jobs →

Regional Health

Growing Network

Western SD

Now part of Monument

605-719-1000 View Jobs →

Indian Health Service

Established Provider

Reservations

Tribal healthcare

605-226-7581 View Jobs →

Sanford Health

Rural South Dakota

Rural areas

Midwest's largest rural health system

605-333-1000 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across South Dakota

Salaries vary across South Dakota regions. Metro South Dakota typically pays highest, while Rural South Dakota offers different cost-of-living dynamics.

Metro South Dakota

Major metro areas

$37K-$40K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban South Dakota

Suburban counties

$32K-$37K

Balanced cost/salary

Central South Dakota

Central regions

$29K-$33K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural South Dakota

Rural areas

$27K-$30K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro South Dakota pays highest, Rural South Dakota's lower housing costs often result in similar take-home purchasing power. Consider total compensation including benefits, commute time, and quality of life.

How to Land a PT Tech Job in South Dakota

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in South Dakota's competitive PT Tech job market.

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1. Get Certified

Complete PT Tech training and earn your CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification significantly improves your competitiveness, especially at top facilities like Sanford Health.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Monument Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend SD Physical Therapy Association events. Connect with PTs during your externship. Many PT Tech positions are filled through referrals before being posted publicly.

Ready to Start Your PT Tech Career?

Complete EHired's free PT Tech training program and gain the skills South Dakota employers are looking for.

Start Free Training Today

Make a one-time payment when you're ready to challenge for certification and start working

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Physical Therapy Technicians do on the job in South Dakota?

PT Techs in South Dakota prepare treatment areas and equipment, assist patients with therapeutic exercises under PT supervision, help with patient transfers and mobility, apply hot/cold packs, set up treatment modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, transport patients, maintain equipment, and document patient progress. They work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

Which employers hire the most PT Techs in South Dakota?

Major PT Tech employers in South Dakota include Sanford Health (#4 ranked nationally), Avera Health (SD's largest system), Monument Health, Regional Health (largest private PT practice in tristate), Indian Health Service, and Sanford Health. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in South Dakota?

Physical Therapy Technicians in South Dakota earn an average of $32,280 per year (-9% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $22,900, experienced PT Techs earn $37,400+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $42,000+. Metro South Dakota generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

South Dakota PT Techs work in outpatient physical therapy clinics, hospital rehabilitation departments, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, home health agencies, and specialty practices like pediatric or neurological PT. Outpatient clinics are the most common setting, followed by hospital-based positions.

Do I need certification to get a PT Tech job in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not require state licensure for PT Techs—you work under PT supervision. However, employers strongly prefer candidates with formal training and CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification demonstrates competency and significantly improves job prospects, especially at competitive employers like Sanford Health and major health systems.