Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist 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 | $63,251 | $65,012▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.41 | $31.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,994 | $42,785▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,487▲ | $50,287 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,030▲ | $82,201 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,612 | $98,624▲ |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $1,761 (2.78%). Watertown's median is -5.42% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $53,618,Watertown spans $55,839. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($70,056 effective) pays 0.38% more than Sioux Falls ($69,790 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,012/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,624)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,056)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Sioux Falls grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$48,780 (2019) → $61,385 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$53,539 (2024) → $63,094 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists 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 medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Sioux Falls vs Watertown?
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov