Spearfish vs Watertown: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Spearfish, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spearfish, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,569 | $60,741▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.12 | $29.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,610 | $49,928▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,947▲ | $56,942 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,419 | $70,104▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,878 | $74,493▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Spearfish and Watertown is $172 (0.28%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spearfish spans $24,268,Watertown spans $24,565. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($65,454 effective) pays 0.28% more than Spearfish ($65,268 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,741/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,493)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,454)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Spearfish grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Spearfish, SD
$42,710 (2024) → $57,303 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$42,831 (2024) → $57,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spearfish, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Spearfish or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spearfish and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Spearfish to Watertown as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Spearfish vs Watertown?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov