Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,888▲ | $122,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.85▲ | $58.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,816▲ | $99,559 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,464▲ | $111,426 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,347▲ | $141,408 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,827▲ | $152,384 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $12,762 (10.45%). Sioux Falls's median is -1.44% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $57,011,Watertown spans $52,825. Sioux Falls 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, Sioux Falls ($148,832 effective) pays 13.09% more than Watertown ($131,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,888/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,827)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,832)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Sioux Falls grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$102,070 (2019) → $130,390 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$108,862 (2024) → $118,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Sioux Falls or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Watertown as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Sioux Falls 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