Huron vs Watertown: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Huron, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huron, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,316 | $60,803▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.04 | $29.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,914 | $45,985▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,035 | $52,598▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,855 | $73,299▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,586 | $86,218▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Watertown is $2,487 (4.26%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $36,672,Watertown spans $40,233. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($65,520 effective) pays 4.26% more than Huron ($62,841 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,803/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,218)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,520)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Huron grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Huron, SD
$46,214 (2024) → $55,328 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$48,185 (2024) → $57,688 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Huron or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huron and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Huron to Watertown as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Huron vs Watertown?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov