Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,154▲ | $125,470 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.61▲ | $60.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,298▲ | $73,218 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,246 | $102,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,423 | $148,276▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,436 | $175,669▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $2,684 (2.14%). Sioux Falls's median is -8.86% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $53,138,Watertown spans $102,451. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($141,402 effective) pays 4.58% more than Watertown ($135,205 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,154/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,402)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,669)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Sioux Falls grew 8.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$114,800 (2019) → $124,470 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$111,539 (2024) → $121,863 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Sioux Falls or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Watertown as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Sioux Falls vs Watertown?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov