Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Watertown, SD: $75,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Watertown, SD earns a median $75,264/year (≈ $36.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $81,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologic technologists and technicians in Watertown, SD, can expect a median annual salary of $75,264 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position in the local job market. This salary falls within a range that spans from $55,976 at the 10th percentile to $105,433 at the 90th percentile. Estimates provided are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projecting local conditions and regional cost adjustments. With the demand for cross-training in modalities such as CT and MRI, individuals obtaining multiple credentials have the potential for increased earning power. This aspect is increasingly crucial in Watertown as healthcare facilities seek professionals who can adapt to evolving technology in medical imaging.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,976 | $26.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,240 | $29.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,264 | $36.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,668 | $43.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,433 | $50.69 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,457 (2026 est.). At $75,264, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Watertown median: $75,264/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $78,237 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -10.77% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Watertown, SD earn a median of $75,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $78,237.
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 radiologic technologist and technician earning $75,264 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,103 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,994
2025 BLS Actual
$71,483
2026 Current Est.
$75,264
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,994 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,234 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,505 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,323 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,246 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $53,994 (2019) to $71,483 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,246 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,252 (46.77%) 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 5.29% 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) | $55,976 – $62,240 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,240 – $75,264 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,264 – $90,668 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,668 – $105,433 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Watertown
Within the context of Watertown's job market, currently employing six radiologic technologists and technicians, the cost-of-living index stands at 92.8, indicating a below-average cost relative to national figures. This affordability enhances the purchasing power of local salaries, making it an appealing market for professionals. Among various employers, hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers typically offer the highest compensation, influenced by the need for specialized skills. The pay disparity results from factors such as modality cross-training, shift differentials, call coverage, and specialized roles within trauma centers. To maximize earnings in this environment, aspiring technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications and exploring opportunities in higher-paying specializations, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving landscape of healthcare in Watertown, SD.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Watertown, SD in 2026?
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Watertown?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
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 $71,483 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Watertown metropolitan area. A 5.29% 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 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov