Pierre vs Watertown: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $109,013 | $111,569▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.41 | $53.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,282 | $75,357▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,294▲ | $87,721 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,105 | $138,216▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,190 | $161,177▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Watertown is $2,556 (2.34%). 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 Pierre spans $89,908,Watertown spans $85,820. 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 ($120,225 effective) pays 2.34% more than Pierre ($117,471 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 ($111,569/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,177)
- ✓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 Pierre grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$80,212 (2024) → $105,174 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$82,093 (2024) → $107,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Pierre or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Watertown as a electrical engineer?
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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