Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Watertown, SD: $60,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Watertown, SD earns a median $60,741/year (≈ $29.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $65,454 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Watertown, South Dakota, is projected to reach $60,741. This figure positions it approximately 10.77% lower than the national median for the same year, which stands at $68,071. The salary of LPNs in the area can vary significantly, with a range from $49,928 at the 10th percentile to $74,493 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data reflect adjustments for economic factors in the region, further highlighting the disparity between Watertown's nursing sector and the broader national market. Factors influencing this dynamic include the predominance of employment settings such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, which often dictate pay scales based on the demand for specific skills and certifications.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,928 | $24.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,942 | $27.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,741 | $29.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,104 | $33.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,493 | $35.81 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,565 (2026 est.). At $60,741, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Watertown median: $60,741/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $63,140 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -10.77% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Watertown, SD earn a median of $60,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $63,140.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $60,741 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,454 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,367
2025 BLS Actual
$57,465
2026 Current Est.
$60,741
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,367 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,203 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,367 (2019) to $57,465 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,203 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,836 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,928 – $56,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,942 – $60,741 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,741 – $70,104 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,104 – $74,493 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Watertown
The local job market for LPNs in Watertown is relatively small, with only six licensed practical nurses currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index at 92.8, which is below the national average, the take-home pay for LPNs can stretch further in Watertown compared to higher-cost areas. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive compensation, with additional financial incentives provided for shift differentials, specialized certifications like IV therapy, and higher pay rates for weekend or holiday shifts. The spread between the lower and higher end of licensed practical nurse salaries reflects these variations in employment settings and the value placed on specific qualifications. To maximize earning potential in this market, LPNs should seek employment in long-term care facilities, explore opportunities for additional certifications, and be open to flexible scheduling that may offer premium pay during non-traditional hours.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,465 for licensed practical nursesin the Watertown metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Watertown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov