Pierre vs Watertown: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $217,001 | $222,091▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $104.33 | $106.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $142,901 | $155,113▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $201,082▲ | $198,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $265,926 | $270,013▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $297,945 | $301,460▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Watertown is $5,090 (2.35%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $155,044,Watertown spans $146,347. 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 ($239,322 effective) pays 2.35% more than Pierre ($233,837 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 ($222,091/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($301,460)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $239,322)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Pierre grew 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$190,067 (2024) → $206,275 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$194,524 (2024) → $211,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Pierre or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Watertown as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Pierre vs Watertown?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov