Watertown vs Yankton: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $111,569▲ | $111,534 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.64▲ | $53.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,357▲ | $75,273 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,721▲ | $87,649 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,216▲ | $135,764 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,177▲ | $157,234 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Watertown and Yankton is $35 (0.03%). 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 Watertown spans $85,820,Yankton spans $81,961. 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 ($120,225 effective) pays 0.03% more than Yankton ($120,188 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 ($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
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Watertown grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Watertown, SD
$82,093 (2024) → $107,640 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$82,067 (2024) → $107,606 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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