Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $74,897▲ | $47,848 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.01▲ | $23.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,136▲ | $31,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,515▲ | $37,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,145▲ | $61,245 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,812▲ | $74,165 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $27,049 (56.53%). Sioux Falls's median is +39.68% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $62,676,Watertown spans $42,381. 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, Sioux Falls ($82,639 effective) pays 60.28% more than Watertown ($51,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,897/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,812)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,639)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Sioux Falls grew 2.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$71,910 (2019) → $73,790 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$46,400 (2024) → $47,141 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents 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 real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Sioux Falls vs Watertown?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov