Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $102,593 | $111,569▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.33 | $53.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,978 | $75,357▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,425▲ | $87,721 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,484 | $138,216▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,880 | $161,177▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $8,976 (8.75%). 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 Sioux Falls spans $73,902,Watertown spans $85,820. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($120,225 effective) pays 6.21% more than Sioux Falls ($113,199 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,569/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,177)
- ✓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 Sioux Falls grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$82,170 (2019) → $98,980 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$82,093 (2024) → $107,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers 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 electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Sioux Falls 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