Spearfish vs Watertown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Spearfish, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spearfish, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,088 | $92,348▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.27 | $44.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,016 | $66,513▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,889▲ | $74,808 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,433 | $116,022▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,237 | $141,291▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Spearfish and Watertown is $260 (0.28%). 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 Spearfish spans $74,221,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 0.28% more than Spearfish ($99,233 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spearfish 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 Spearfish grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Spearfish, SD
$72,964 (2024) → $89,728 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$73,170 (2024) → $89,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spearfish, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Spearfish or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spearfish and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Spearfish to Watertown as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Spearfish vs Watertown?
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