Pierre vs Watertown: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $41,815 | $42,795▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.10 | $20.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,444 | $35,935▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,376▲ | $36,844 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,441 | $45,069▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,033 | $52,583▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Watertown is $980 (2.34%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $18,589,Watertown spans $16,648. 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 ($46,115 effective) pays 2.34% more than Pierre ($45,059 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 ($42,795/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,583)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,115)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Pierre grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$33,131 (2024) → $39,835 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$33,908 (2024) → $40,769 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Pierre or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Watertown as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Pierre vs Watertown?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov