Huron vs Watertown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Huron, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huron, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,571 | $92,348▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.58 | $44.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,023 | $66,513▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,644 | $74,808▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,118 | $116,022▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,834 | $141,291▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Watertown is $3,777 (4.26%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $68,811,Watertown spans $74,778. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($99,513 effective) pays 4.26% more than Huron ($95,443 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,348/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,291)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,513)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Huron grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Huron, SD
$70,177 (2024) → $86,301 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$73,170 (2024) → $89,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Huron or Watertown?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov