Rapid City vs Watertown: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $233,648▲ | $222,091 |
| Hourly Rate | $112.33▲ | $106.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,976 | $155,113▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $202,152▲ | $198,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $292,675▲ | $270,013 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $336,867▲ | $301,460 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $11,557 (5.20%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $183,891,Watertown spans $146,347. Rapid City 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, Rapid City ($251,776 effective) pays 5.20% more than Watertown ($239,322 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($233,648/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($336,867)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,776)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Rapid City grew 13.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$195,550 (2021) → $222,099 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$194,524 (2024) → $211,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Rapid City or Watertown?
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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