Rapid City vs Watertown: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Rapid City, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,595 | $91,667▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.20 | $44.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,230 | $68,949▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,759 | $77,172▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,435▲ | $103,233 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,983 | $122,208▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,480▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $8,072 (9.66%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $35,753,Watertown spans $53,259. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($98,779 effective) pays 5.35% more than Rapid City ($93,758 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,667/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,208)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,779)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Rapid City grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$59,740 (2019) → $79,380 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$58,893 (2024) → $87,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Rapid City or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Watertown as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov