Rapid City vs Watertown: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician 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 | $62,457▲ | $57,580 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.02▲ | $27.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,399▲ | $41,355 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,794▲ | $46,027 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,807 | $73,703▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,205 | $89,250▲ |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $4,877 (8.47%). Rapid City's median is -3.21% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $38,806,Watertown spans $47,895. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($70,050 effective) pays 12.90% more than Watertown ($62,047 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,457/year)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,050)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,250)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Rapid City grew 44.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$42,370 (2019) → $61,160 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$53,539 (2024) → $56,385 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Rapid City or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Watertown?
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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