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What is the average salary in Watertown, SD?

The average salary in Watertown, SD is $51,162 per year.

Watertown, South Dakota, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Watertown is $51,162. This figure reflects the diverse industries present in the area. Here are some salary ranges for different job roles:

  • Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $26,000 to $35,182 annually.
  • Mid-level roles range from $35,182 to $53,545 per year.
  • Senior positions and specialized jobs offer salaries from $53,545 to over $100,000 annually.

The salary distribution in Watertown shows a range of opportunities for job seekers with different levels of experience and expertise. This variety makes Watertown an attractive location for those seeking professional growth and a stable income.

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What are the best paying jobs in Watertown, SD?

Job seekers in Watertown, SD, will find that the highest paying jobs often come from healthcare and skilled trades. Registered nurses lead the pack with an average salary of $82,779. This role requires compassion and a strong skill set to care for patients. Those with technical skills can also thrive, as diesel technicians earn an average of $69,794. This job involves diagnosing and repairing diesel engines and related systems. These careers offer good pay and opportunities for advancement, making them attractive choices for professionals in Watertown.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Watertown, SD, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $82,779 and Housekeeper with the lowest at $28,185.
  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $82,779
    This role involves providing essential care to patients in healthcare facilities. Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care homes. Key employers include Watertown Medical Clinic and Avera McKennan Hospital.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Watertown, SD


  2. Diesel Technician
    Average Salary: $69,794
    This job requires diagnosing and fixing issues in diesel engines. Technicians work for local automotive shops and service centers. Major employers include Watertown Auto and Precision Diesel.
    Find Diesel Technician jobs in Watertown, SD


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $58,194
    LPNs provide basic medical care and support to patients in various healthcare settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Local employers include Watertown Medical Clinic and Keystone Behavioral Center.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Watertown, SD


  4. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $44,840
    Delivery drivers transport goods to customers. They work for companies like local grocery stores and package delivery services. Employers include Hy-Vee and United Parcel Service.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Watertown, SD


  5. Intern
    Average Salary: $40,715
    Interns assist in various roles to gain experience. They work in offices for businesses and organizations. Key employers include local banks and regional companies.
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  6. Material Handler
    Average Salary: $38,416
    This role involves moving materials around a warehouse or factory. Handlers use machinery to load, unload, and stock items. Major employers include manufacturing companies and logistics firms.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Watertown, SD


  7. Resident Assistant
    Average Salary: $35,594
    Resident assistants support residents in care facilities. They provide daily living assistance and coordinate activities. Employers include senior living communities and assisted living homes.
    Find Resident Assistant jobs in Watertown, SD


  8. Cook
    Average Salary: $34,512
    Cooks prepare meals in restaurants, schools, and hospitals. They follow recipes and ensure food quality. Key employers include local schools and dining services.
    Find Cook jobs in Watertown, SD


  9. Cashier
    Average Salary: $33,224
    Cashiers handle transactions at retail stores and grocery stores. They operate cash registers and provide customer service. Local employers include Hy-Vee and other grocery chains.
    Find Cashier jobs in Watertown, SD


  10. Housekeeper
    Average Salary: $28,185
    Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in hotels and residential facilities. They ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Key employers include local hotels and residential care facilities.
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What are the best paying jobs in Watertown, SD without a degree?

In Watertown, SD, job seekers have several opportunities for high-paying roles that do not require a degree. Among the best-paying positions are line cooks, with an average salary of $33,517. Baristas and servers also offer solid incomes, earning around $30,381 and $28,455, respectively. Housekeeping staff can expect an average salary of $29,465. These jobs provide competitive wages and are accessible to those seeking to start or advance in their careers without a degree. Each role plays a vital part in the community, offering both financial reward and the chance to develop valuable skills. Job seekers in Watertown can find fulfilling and lucrative opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Watertown, SD without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $33,517 and Server with the lowest at $28,455.
  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,517
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food in fast-paced settings. They work in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. They follow recipes and kitchen standards. This role is often a stepping stone to higher positions in the food industry.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Watertown, SD


  2. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,381
    Baristas work in cafes and coffee shops. They prepare coffee and other drinks. They also greet customers and manage the cash register. Working in local coffee shops allows for customer interaction and a cozy work environment.
    Find Barista jobs in Watertown, SD


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $29,465
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain hotel rooms and public areas. They ensure a comfortable environment for guests. This job is ideal for those who enjoy cleanliness and take pride in maintaining a tidy space. Local hotels and motels often provide training.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Watertown, SD


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $28,455
    Servers work in restaurants, cafes, and bars. They take orders and serve food and drinks. They also provide recommendations to customers. This role offers a chance to interact with people and learn about customer service in a dining setting.
    Find Server jobs in Watertown, SD

Which companies offer the top salaries in Watertown, SD?

Professionals in Watertown, SD, find some of the best-paying jobs at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Terex Corporation. These companies lead the way, offering higher average salaries and competitive benefits. Job seekers can expect to earn around $66,000 at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and about $60,700 at Terex Corporation. While salaries may vary across industries, Sanford Health, Avantara, and Good Samaritan also provide attractive compensation packages. These organizations understand the value of rewarding their employees, with average salaries around $59,000, $48,600, and $41,600, respectively. Dakota Bodies, Domino's, and Menards are additional employers in Watertown offering solid salaries and opportunities for growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Watertown, SD, highlighting Prairie Lakes Healthcare System with the highest at $66,017 and Menards with the lowest at $34,088.
  1. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
    Average Salary: $66,017
    Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers a range of healthcare services. They focus on providing quality patient care. They have a variety of positions, from nursing to administrative roles.


  2. Terex Corporation
    Average Salary: $60,719
    Terex Corporation specializes in manufacturing construction and mining equipment. They value innovation and employee growth. Opportunities exist in engineering, manufacturing, and sales.


  3. Sanford Health
    Average Salary: $59,097
    Sanford Health is a large healthcare provider. They offer many job opportunities in various fields. They focus on delivering high-quality care and have a commitment to employee wellness.


  4. Avantara
    Average Salary: $48,636
    Avantara provides software solutions for healthcare. They are a growing company with opportunities in IT and healthcare management. They focus on innovation and quality service.


  5. Good Samaritan
    Average Salary: $41,605
    Good Samaritan offers healthcare services and social programs. They focus on community care and employee well-being. They have roles in healthcare, administration, and social services.


  6. Dakota Bodies
    Average Salary: $41,328
    Dakota Bodies is a vehicle body shop. They specialize in custom and repair services. Opportunities exist in bodywork, painting, and sales.


  7. Domino's
    Average Salary: $35,592
    Domino's is a well-known pizza chain. They offer positions in store management, delivery, and kitchen roles. They focus on customer satisfaction and team support.


  8. Menards
    Average Salary: $34,088
    Menards is a home improvement store. They offer many roles in retail, landscaping, and management. They focus on customer service and employee development.

How does the cost of living in Watertown, SD compare to the national average?

Watertown, SD, presents a cost of living index that is slightly below the nationwide average. The combined index score stands at 91, reflecting a 9% decrease from the national benchmark of 100. This modest difference suggests that residents in Watertown can expect overall living expenses to be relatively affordable compared to the rest of the country. Each category in the index contributes to this overall picture. For example, housing costs in Watertown are 14% lower than the national average, while groceries are 8% lower. Utilities and transportation also show slight decreases, with utilities at 5% below average and transportation at 12% below. Healthcare costs are notably 3% higher than the national average, indicating a slightly elevated expense in this category. Miscellaneous costs stand at 10% below the national average, contributing to the overall lower cost of living index.
Cost of living comparison graph for Watertown, SD vs. Nationwide: housing 14% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

Watertown, South Dakota, presents a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100 for comparison. Specifically, the housing index in Watertown stands at 86, indicating that housing costs are about 14% less than the national average. This makes Watertown an attractive option for those looking to save on living expenses, particularly in housing.


When looking at other cost factors, Watertown continues to show favorable comparisons. Groceries are priced at 92, only 8% above the national average, which suggests that food costs are reasonably manageable. Utilities are slightly higher, at 95, showing a 5% increase. Transportation costs are also below average at 88, providing a savings of about 12%. Healthcare costs are slightly above average at 97, which is a 3% increase. Miscellaneous expenses, rounding out at 90, are just 10% above the national average. Together, these indices paint a picture of Watertown as a place where the cost of living is generally lower than the national standard, with savings particularly noticeable in housing and transportation.

There are 285 job openings in Watertown, SD, today!

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Watertown, SD
285 Job Openings