Watertown vs Yankton: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $90,814▲ | $90,786 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.67▲ | $43.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,122▲ | $62,053 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,713▲ | $73,655 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,938▲ | $101,946 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,791▲ | $114,587 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Watertown and Yankton is $28 (0.03%). 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 Watertown spans $55,669,Yankton spans $52,534. 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 ($97,860 effective) pays 0.03% more than Yankton ($97,830 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 ($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
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Watertown grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Watertown, SD
$69,600 (2024) → $87,330 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$69,579 (2024) → $87,303 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Watertown or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Watertown and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Watertown to Yankton as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Watertown vs Yankton?
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