Spearfish vs Watertown: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Spearfish, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spearfish, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $221,466 | $222,091▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.47 | $106.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $146,716 | $155,113▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $205,856▲ | $198,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $263,811 | $270,013▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $291,818 | $301,460▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Spearfish and Watertown is $625 (0.28%). 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 Spearfish spans $145,102,Watertown spans $146,347. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($239,322 effective) pays 0.28% more than Spearfish ($238,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spearfish 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 Spearfish grew 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Spearfish, SD
$193,977 (2024) → $210,519 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$194,524 (2024) → $211,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spearfish, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Spearfish or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spearfish and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Spearfish to Watertown as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Spearfish 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