Aberdeen vs Watertown: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Aberdeen, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aberdeen, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,908 | $57,580▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.36 | $27.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,245 | $41,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,252 | $46,027▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,843 | $73,703▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,208 | $89,250▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aberdeen.
The salary gap between Aberdeen and Watertown is $672 (1.18%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aberdeen spans $47,963,Watertown spans $47,895. Aberdeen 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 ($62,047 effective) pays 1.18% more than Aberdeen ($61,323 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aberdeen if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,580/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,250)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,047)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Aberdeen grew 5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Aberdeen, SD
$52,914 (2024) → $55,727 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$53,539 (2024) → $56,385 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aberdeen, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Aberdeen or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aberdeen and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Aberdeen to Watertown as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Aberdeen vs Watertown?
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov