Watertown vs Yankton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil 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 | $92,348▲ | $92,319 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.40▲ | $44.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,513▲ | $66,443 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,808▲ | $74,749 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,022▲ | $113,992 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,291▲ | $138,025 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Watertown and Yankton is $29 (0.03%). 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 Watertown spans $74,778,Yankton spans $71,582. 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 ($99,513 effective) pays 0.03% more than Yankton ($99,482 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 ($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
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Watertown grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Watertown, SD
$73,170 (2024) → $89,981 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$73,147 (2024) → $89,953 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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