Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $66,573▲ | $45,912 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.01▲ | $22.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,181▲ | $27,332 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,252▲ | $33,395 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,420▲ | $58,767 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,298▲ | $71,163 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $20,661 (45.00%). Sioux Falls's median is -17.19% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $50,117,Watertown spans $43,831. Sioux Falls 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, Sioux Falls ($73,455 effective) pays 48.47% more than Watertown ($49,474 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 ($66,573/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,298)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,455)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Sioux Falls grew -20.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -42.1% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$80,290 (2021) → $63,718 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$75,847 (2024) → $43,943 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Sioux Falls or Watertown?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov