Radiologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $189.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologist working in Watertown, SD runs $189.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $394,316 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $204.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $236,593 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median hourly rate of $189.58 for radiologists in Watertown, South Dakota, professionals in this field find themselves earning about 10.77% less than the national median hourly rate of $212.45. This rate reflects the lower cost of living in the area, which has implications for part-time and per-diem work. A radiologist working three days a week would earn a significant income while avoiding the full-time commitment. Entry-level professionals might start closer to $109.96 per hour, while those at the top of their game can earn up to $253.29 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, elucidate the earning potential for radiologists working in various settings—from hospital reading rooms to outpatient imaging centers and even remote home reading stations.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $109.96 | $879.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136.49 | $1091.92 |
| Median (P50) | $189.58 | $1516.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222.80 | $1782.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $253.29 | $2026.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $189.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $189.58/hr, a radiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $394,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $227,493. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $7,583.10 | $32,860 | $394,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $4,549.86 | $19,716 | $236,593 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,033.24 | $13,144 | $157,728 |
Compare MD, DO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologist (Watertown) | $189.58 |
| Anesthesiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Cardiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.15 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $40.79 |
Radiologists in Watertown, SD earn a median of $394,316 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $409,892.
Radiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $189.58/hr = $236,593/year (purchasing power: $254,949).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $394,321/year (purchasing power: $424,915).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$148.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$180.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$189.58/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologists in Watertown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $148.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $155.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $163.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $152.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $180.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $189.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $199.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologists in Watertown grew 21.6% from $148.54/hr (2021) to $180.55/hr (2025). At a 5.00% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $199.06/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Radiologist in Watertown
The earning potential for part-time radiologists in Watertown drastically alters their financial landscape compared to full-time counterparts. A 3-day work week equates to approximately $148,000 annually—substantially more than what many industries offer for similar hours. Per diem radiologist pay in Watertown tends to vary widely, with Teleradiology night shifts frequently rewarding providers significantly, ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 per overnight. Weekend coverages offer enticing rates between $1,500 to $3,000 per day, while subspecialty interventional radiology locum positions can exceed $3,000 in high-demand scenarios. Different employer types influence rates significantly; private practices often offer partnership benefits that can lead to higher earnings, while hospital-employed positions sometimes provide benefits like healthcare, albeit at a lower hourly rate. Understanding this balance can empower radiologists to negotiate based on their individual needs—whether that's opting for higher pay without benefits or securing a stable salary with comprehensive health coverage.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologists in Watertown. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Watertown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov