Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $187.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in Watertown, SD runs $187.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $390,873 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $202.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $234,527 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Anesthesiologists in Watertown, SD, command a median hourly rate of $187.92 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $196.69. This figure highlights the potential earnings for both full-time and part-time practitioners in various healthcare settings, including main operating rooms, pain procedure rooms, and ICU consults. For professionals working part-time, such as those taking shifts three days a week, or per-diem anesthesiologists, this rate can translate into significant, flexible income. The hourly pay ranges from about $108.99 for entry-level positions to as high as $252.98 for those at the top of their field. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, provide a useful framework for evaluating opportunities available in the local job market.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108.99 | $871.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135.31 | $1082.45 |
| Median (P50) | $187.92 | $1503.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $230.08 | $1840.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252.98 | $2023.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $187.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $187.92/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $390,878 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $225,507. 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) | $7,516.89 | $32,573 | $390,878 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $4,510.14 | $19,544 | $234,527 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,006.76 | $13,029 | $156,351 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (Watertown) | $187.92 |
| Surgeon, All Other (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $106.73 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Anesthesiologists in Watertown, SD earn a median of $390,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.46% lower than the national median of $409,107 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $406,313.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $187.92/hr = $234,527/year (purchasing power: $252,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $390,878/year (purchasing power: $421,205).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$138.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$179.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$187.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $144.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $150.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $157.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $164.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $152.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $179.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Watertown grew 30.2% from $138.09/hr (2019) to $179.83/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $196.38/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem anesthesiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 4.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Anesthesiologist in Watertown
For anesthesiologists in the area, the financial dynamics can shift significantly based on work arrangements. A part-time anesthesiologist working 24 hours a week can take home approximately $295,000 annually, which is an attractive option compared to the longer hours required for full-time work. Meanwhile, per diem anesthesiologist pay in Watertown can range from $1,800 to $3,000 per day, particularly for specialized services in cardiac or pediatric roles; agencies often handle additional expenses like lodging and travel. The type of employer also influences compensation, with hospital systems typically offering salaries with benefits, while private practices may provide higher hourly rates but with less job security. Anesthesiologists should weigh these factors and consider negotiating terms, as securing a position within a private practice or locum tenens assignment could offer substantial earnings but often comes without benefits. Understanding these nuances within the anesthesiologist hourly pay in Watertown is essential for effectively planning one’s career in this vital field.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time anesthesiologists make in Watertown?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
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 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for anesthesiologists 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 4.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov