Rapid City vs Watertown: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Rapid City, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,670 | $58,068▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.84 | $27.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,140 | $38,795▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,788 | $46,216▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,709 | $73,726▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,404 | $90,005▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $6,398 (12.38%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $42,264,Watertown spans $51,210. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($62,573 effective) pays 7.97% more than Rapid City ($57,952 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,068/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,005)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,573)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Rapid City grew 60.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$31,100 (2019) → $49,990 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$42,831 (2024) → $56,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Rapid City or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Watertown as a graphic designer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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 Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov