Aberdeen vs Watertown: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Aberdeen, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aberdeen, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,268 | $111,569▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.02 | $53.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,412 | $75,357▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,261 | $87,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,821▲ | $138,216 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,661▲ | $161,177 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aberdeen.
The salary gap between Aberdeen and Watertown is $1,301 (1.18%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aberdeen spans $88,249,Watertown spans $85,820. Aberdeen 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 ($120,225 effective) pays 1.18% more than Aberdeen ($118,823 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aberdeen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,661)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,569/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,225)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Aberdeen grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Aberdeen, SD
$81,135 (2024) → $106,385 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$82,093 (2024) → $107,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aberdeen, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Aberdeen or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aberdeen and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Aberdeen to Watertown as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Aberdeen vs Watertown?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov