Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Watertown, SD: $65,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Watertown, SD earns a median $65,012/year (≈ $31.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $70,056 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the projected median annual pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $65,012 in 2026. This figure reflects the local job market, which comprises just six professionals in this role, indicating a relatively small and potentially less saturated market. Salary estimates show a range from $42,785 at the 10th percentile to $98,624 at the 90th percentile, offering a wide spectrum based on experience, specialties, and workplace settings. Adjusting for local economic conditions informs these figures, as they are derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, ensuring a realistic context for job seekers and professionals assessing their earning potential in Watertown.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,785 | $20.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,287 | $24.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,012 | $31.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,201 | $39.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,624 | $47.42 |
Median Salary Position
5.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,839 (2026 est.). At $65,012, the local median is 5.42% below the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Watertown median: $65,012/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $67,580 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $68,734 | -5.42% less |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Watertown, SD earn a median of $65,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.42% lower than the national median of $68,734 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $67,580.
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 medical and clinical laboratory technologist earning $65,012 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,056 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,258
2025 BLS Actual
$63,094
2026 Current Est.
$65,012
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,321 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,951 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,938 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $53,258 (2019) to $63,094 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,730 (25.78%) 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 3.04% 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) | $42,785 – $50,287 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,287 – $65,012 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,012 – $82,201 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,201 – $98,624 |
MLS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Market in Watertown
The local job market for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Watertown highlights the presence of only six employed in this field, suggesting limited competition. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, individuals in this area may experience a favorable purchasing power relative to their earnings. Prospective employers include community health centers, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics; typically, larger institutions tend to offer higher salaries and better benefits. Variations in pay arise from factors such as shift differentials and the possession of specialized credentials. For those looking to maximize their compensation, strategies may include pursuing advanced certifications, networking within local healthcare communities, and being flexible with work hours to capitalize on higher-paying shifts or roles within larger facilities.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Watertown, SD in 2026?
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Can medical and clinical laboratory technologists make $100K in Watertown?
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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
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 $63,094 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Watertown metropolitan area. A 3.04% 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 3.04%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical and clinical laboratory technologists (SOC 29-2010).
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