Real Estate Agent Salary in Watertown, SD: $47,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Watertown, SD earns a median $47,848/year (≈ $23.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $51,560 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, real estate agents in Watertown, South Dakota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $47,848. This figure is notably 10.77% below the national median of $53,622, reflecting the unique market characteristics influenced by the recent 2024 NAR settlement that altered commission structures. Agents’ earnings in Watertown range widely, with entry-level positions (P10) earning around $31,784, while the top performers (P90) can make up to $74,165. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, suggest a competitive, albeit challenging, environment for agents navigating these shifts. Understanding the local dynamics is essential for success in this evolving marketplace.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,784 | $15.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,046 | $17.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,848 | $23.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,245 | $29.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,165 | $35.66 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,381 (2026 est.). At $47,848, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Watertown median: $47,848/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $49,738 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -10.77% less |
Real Estate Agents in Watertown, SD earn a median of $47,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $49,738.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $47,848 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,560 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,661
2025 BLS Actual
$47,141
2026 Current Est.
$47,848
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,661 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,453 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,566 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $43,661 (2019) to $47,141 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,566 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,905 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $31,784 – $37,046 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,046 – $47,848 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,848 – $61,245 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,245 – $74,165 |
REA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual real estate agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Real Estate Agent Job Market in Watertown
Despite the lower salary averages, the Watertown real estate market presents unique opportunities. Currently, there are only six real estate agents active in this area, indicating a potentially less competitive environment for new entrants. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, agents may find their purchasing power holds up better than the salary figures suggest. Among employers, national franchises like Keller Williams and RE/MAX tend to offer the highest compensation packages in terms of commission structures and support. Income disparities in Watertown are driven by several factors, including transaction volume, average sale price, and brokerage commission splits which can vary significantly. To maximize income, agents should consider aligning with thriving teams or strong brokerages, focusing on higher-value properties, and cultivating referral networks to enhance opportunities in the wake of the commission reforms.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,141 for real estate agentsin the Watertown metropolitan area. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Watertown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov