State comparison · 2025
Physical Therapists salary: California vs South Dakota
Physical Therapists in California earn a median of $124,190. In South Dakota, $92,660. After cost-of-living, the gap is 7.3% — not 34%.
Nominal pay gap
+34%
California vs South Dakota
COL-adjusted gap
+7.3%
After BEA Regional Price Parities
California
Physical Therapists
- Median
- $124,190
- p25
- $100,790
- p75
- $141,260
- p10
- $85,580
- p90
- $163,960
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 110.7
- Hiring velocity (180d)
- -45%
South Dakota
Physical Therapists
- Median
- $92,660
- p25
- $82,380
- p75
- $103,630
- p10
- $77,890
- p90
- $107,870
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 88.6
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.