Brookings vs Watertown: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Brookings, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,458 | $72,290▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.40 | $34.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,744 | $42,225▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $56,012▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,906 | $92,532▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,660 | $112,051▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Watertown is $2,832 (4.08%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $65,916,Watertown spans $69,826. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($77,899 effective) pays 4.08% more than Brookings ($74,847 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,290/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,051)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,899)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Brookings grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$61,729 (2024) → $67,903 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$64,247 (2024) → $70,672 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Brookings or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Watertown as a chiropractor?
What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Brookings vs Watertown?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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 Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov