Salaries in Watertown, SD
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might assume a small South Dakota city like Watertown would be a quiet backwater for careers. You'd be wrong. This town of 22,859 is a surprising hub for software developers, who earn a median salary of over $123,000. That’s a top-tier wage, even before you factor in the place you live.
And you absolutely have to factor it in. With a cost of living index of 89.5—meaning everything is about 10% cheaper than the national average—that software developer salary feels more like $137,000. That purchasing power is the real story here. A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $760 a month. The median household income is $62,721, but in Watertown, that money stretches farther than you’d expect in most places. It’s not a bargain basement, but it’s a genuinely good deal.
So who actually thrives here? It’s not just tech. Watertown’s economy is anchored by healthcare and education. You’ve got the big regional medical center and a state university branch, which explains the steady demand for registered nurses and teachers. The unemployment rate is a razor-thin 2.2%, so if you’ve got skills, you’re not just wanted—you’re needed.
Here’s the honest catch: while wages for top professions are strong, the average salary across all roles is $55,210. The COL-adjusted average is $61,688. That gap tells you there’s a ceiling if you’re not in one of those high-demand fields. But for a nurse, an accountant, or an electrician who wants a house and a yard without the coastal price tag? Watertown’s math works beautifully.
The numbers below will show you exactly where the money is—and what your life looks like when you earn it here.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Watertown
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Watertown
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (90/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $123,251 |
| 2 | Accountant | $83,368 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $83,358 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,664 |
| 5 | Electrician | $59,611 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $59,543 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,417 |
| 8 | Paralegal | $48,424 |
| 9 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,424 |
| 10 | Welder | $48,424 |
| 11 | Project Manager | $48,424 |
| 12 | Police Officer | $48,424 |
| 13 | Graphic Designer | $48,424 |
| 14 | Data Analyst | $48,424 |
| 15 | Plumber | $48,424 |
| 16 | Carpenter | $48,424 |
| 17 | Physical Therapist | $48,424 |
| 18 | Human Resources Specialist | $48,424 |
| 19 | Financial Analyst | $48,424 |
| 20 | Pharmacist | $48,424 |
| 21 | HVAC Technician | $48,424 |
| 22 | Firefighter | $48,424 |
| 23 | Construction Manager | $48,424 |
| 24 | Dental Hygienist | $48,424 |
| 25 | Web Developer | $48,424 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $48,424 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $48,424 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Watertown
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Watertown?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Watertown. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Watertown Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Watertown Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Watertown is a solid, under-the-radar bet if you’re chasing a lower cost of living without sacrificing your career. With an average salary of $55,210 and rent at just $760, your money goes a lot further here—especially if you work in tech. The COL-adjusted salary for a Software Developer ($137,711) is the real headline, but healthcare and skilled trades also do well in this market. The COL index of 89.5 confirms you’re stretching every dollar compared to national averages.
Is it worth it? For remote-friendly tech workers or anyone who can tap into those high local salaries, absolutely. For everyone else, it’s a mixed bag—great if you value quiet and affordability over big-city buzz.
My advice? If you’re considering the move, try renting for six months before buying. Watertown’s charm is real, but you’ll want to know if the slower pace fits your lifestyle before committing.