Rapid City vs Watertown: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer 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 | $60,588▲ | $51,010 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.12▲ | $24.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,352▲ | $35,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,762▲ | $41,322 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,007▲ | $62,952 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,262 | $75,261▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $9,578 (18.78%). Rapid City's median is +0.69% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $25,910,Watertown spans $39,621. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($67,954 effective) pays 23.63% more than Watertown ($54,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,588/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,954)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,261)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Rapid City grew 43.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$40,560 (2019) → $58,359 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$48,185 (2024) → $49,133 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers 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 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Rapid City vs Watertown?
Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% 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 Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov