Huron vs Watertown: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $143,070 | $149,172▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.79 | $71.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,981 | $86,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,011 | $107,404▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,130 | $190,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,759 | $231,217▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Watertown is $6,102 (4.27%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $138,778,Watertown spans $144,697. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($160,746 effective) pays 4.27% more than Huron ($154,170 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 ($149,172/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,217)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,746)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Huron grew 47.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Huron, SD
$92,428 (2024) → $136,648 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$96,370 (2024) → $142,476 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov