Pierre vs Watertown: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Pierre, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,328 | $122,126▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.37 | $58.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,517 | $99,559▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,796▲ | $111,426 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,323 | $141,408▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,759 | $152,384▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Watertown is $2,798 (2.34%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $58,242,Watertown spans $52,825. Pierre has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($131,601 effective) pays 2.34% more than Pierre ($128,586 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,126/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,384)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,601)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Pierre grew 8.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$106,368 (2024) → $115,348 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$108,862 (2024) → $118,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Pierre or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Watertown as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Pierre vs Watertown?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov