Watertown vs Yankton: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Watertown, SD and Yankton, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Watertown, SD | Yankton, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,848▲ | $47,833 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.00 | $23.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,784▲ | $31,747 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,046▲ | $37,015 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,245▲ | $61,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,165▲ | $74,141 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Yankton.
The salary gap between Watertown and Yankton is $15 (0.03%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Watertown spans $42,381,Yankton spans $42,394. Yankton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($51,560 effective) pays 0.03% more than Yankton ($51,544 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,848/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,165)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,560)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Yankton 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 Watertown grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Watertown, SD
$46,400 (2024) → $47,141 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$46,386 (2024) → $47,126 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Watertown or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Watertown and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Watertown to Yankton as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Watertown vs Yankton?
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