Watertown vs Yankton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $60,741▲ | $60,721 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.20▲ | $29.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,928▲ | $49,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,942▲ | $56,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,104▲ | $68,772 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,493▲ | $72,351 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Watertown and Yankton is $20 (0.03%). 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 Watertown spans $24,565,Yankton spans $22,471. 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 ($65,454 effective) pays 0.03% more than Yankton ($65,432 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 ($60,741/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
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Watertown grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Watertown, SD
$42,831 (2024) → $57,465 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$42,818 (2024) → $57,447 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Watertown or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Watertown and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Watertown to Yankton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Watertown vs Yankton?
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