Rapid City vs Watertown: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $42,712 | $42,795▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.53 | $20.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,989▲ | $35,935 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,989▲ | $36,844 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,268▲ | $45,069 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,302 | $52,583▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $83 (0.19%). 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 Rapid City spans $12,313,Watertown spans $16,648. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($47,905 effective) pays 3.88% more than Watertown ($46,115 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,905)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,795/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,583)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Rapid City grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$32,730 (2019) → $40,690 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$33,908 (2024) → $40,769 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Rapid City or Watertown?
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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