Spearfish vs Watertown: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $148,753 | $149,172▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.52 | $71.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,277 | $86,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,102 | $107,404▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $190,403 | $190,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $230,566 | $231,217▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Spearfish and Watertown is $419 (0.28%). 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 Spearfish spans $144,289,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 0.28% more than Spearfish ($160,294 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 ($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 Spearfish grew 47.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Spearfish, SD
$96,099 (2024) → $142,075 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$96,370 (2024) → $142,476 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spearfish, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Spearfish or Watertown?
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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