Pierre vs Watertown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Pierre, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,231 | $92,348▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.38 | $44.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,389 | $66,513▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,060▲ | $74,808 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,236 | $116,022▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,464 | $141,291▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Watertown is $2,117 (2.35%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $78,075,Watertown spans $74,778. Pierre 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 ($99,513 effective) pays 2.35% more than Pierre ($97,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,348/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,291)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,513)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Pierre grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$71,493 (2024) → $87,919 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$73,170 (2024) → $89,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Pierre or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Watertown as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Pierre vs Watertown?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov