Spearfish vs Watertown: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Spearfish, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spearfish, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,053 | $75,264▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.08 | $36.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,121 | $55,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,748▲ | $62,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,570 | $90,668▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,157 | $105,433▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Spearfish and Watertown is $211 (0.28%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spearfish spans $49,036,Watertown spans $49,457. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($81,103 effective) pays 0.28% more than Spearfish ($80,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,264/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,433)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,103)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Spearfish grew 29.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Spearfish, SD
$55,168 (2024) → $71,282 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$55,323 (2024) → $71,483 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spearfish, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Spearfish or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spearfish and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Spearfish to Watertown as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Spearfish vs Watertown?
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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 Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov