Huron vs Watertown: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Huron, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huron, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,100 | $90,814▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.88 | $43.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,790 | $62,122▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,578 | $73,713▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,514 | $103,938▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,322 | $117,791▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Watertown is $3,714 (4.26%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $50,532,Watertown spans $55,669. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($97,860 effective) pays 4.26% more than Huron ($93,858 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,814/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,791)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,860)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Huron grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Huron, SD
$66,754 (2024) → $83,758 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$69,600 (2024) → $87,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Huron or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huron and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Huron to Watertown as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Huron vs Watertown?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov