Watertown vs Yankton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $60,803▲ | $60,784 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.23 | $29.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,985▲ | $45,938 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,598▲ | $52,557 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,299▲ | $71,964 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,218▲ | $84,070 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Watertown and Yankton is $19 (0.03%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Watertown spans $40,233,Yankton spans $38,132. 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 ($65,520 effective) pays 0.03% more than Yankton ($65,500 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 ($60,803/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,218)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,520)
- ✓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, surgical technologist salaries in Watertown grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Watertown, SD
$48,185 (2024) → $57,688 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$48,170 (2024) → $57,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Watertown or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Watertown and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Watertown to Yankton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Watertown vs Yankton?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov