Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist 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 | $30,628▲ | $15,706 |
| Hourly Rate | $14.72▲ | $7.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,118▲ | $12,094 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,662▲ | $13,659 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,331▲ | $19,451 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,524▲ | $23,561 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $14,922 (95.01%). Sioux Falls's median is +0.92% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $27,406,Watertown spans $11,467. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($33,794 effective) pays 99.68% more than Watertown ($16,925 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($30,628/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($47,524)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $33,794)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Sioux Falls grew -36.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -60.9% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$47,000 (2021) → $29,934 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$39,262 (2024) → $15,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists 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 billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Sioux Falls vs Watertown?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% 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 Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov