Watertown vs Yankton: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Watertown, SD and Yankton, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Watertown, SD | Yankton, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,126▲ | $122,088 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.72▲ | $58.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,559▲ | $99,462 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,426▲ | $111,342 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,408▲ | $138,727 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,384▲ | $148,076 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Watertown and Yankton is $38 (0.03%). 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 Watertown spans $52,825,Yankton spans $48,614. Watertown 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 0.03% more than Yankton ($131,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Watertown grew 8.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Watertown, SD
$108,862 (2024) → $118,053 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$108,828 (2024) → $118,016 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Watertown or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Watertown and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Watertown to Yankton as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Watertown vs Yankton?
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