Vermillion vs Watertown: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Vermillion, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Vermillion, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,335 | $41,990▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.40 | $20.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,611 | $34,298▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,694 | $36,656▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,896 | $46,266▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,981 | $55,831▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vermillion.
The salary gap between Vermillion and Watertown is $1,655 (4.10%). Watertown's median is -10.77% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Vermillion spans $19,370,Watertown spans $21,533. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced emergency medical technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($45,248 effective) pays 4.10% more than Vermillion ($43,464 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Vermillion if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,990/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,831)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,248)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Vermillion grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Vermillion, SD
$29,143 (2024) → $38,117 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$30,339 (2024) → $39,681 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Vermillion, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Vermillion or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Vermillion and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Vermillion to Watertown as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Vermillion vs Watertown?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov