Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer 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 | $84,574 | $90,438▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.66 | $43.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,619 | $67,584▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,157 | $76,998▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,545 | $97,932▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,926 | $114,631▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $5,864 (6.93%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $49,307,Watertown spans $47,047. 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, Watertown ($97,455 effective) pays 4.43% more than Sioux Falls ($93,317 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,438/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,631)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,455)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Sioux Falls grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$60,120 (2019) → $80,600 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$64,247 (2024) → $86,189 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers 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 diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Sioux Falls vs Watertown?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov