Salaries in Aberdeen, SD

Here’s something that’ll surprise you: Aberdeen’s software developers are pulling in salaries that would make a Silicon Valley recruiter do a double-take—at least, after you adjust for the cost of living. With the city’s cost of living sitting at 89.5, it’s not just that your paycheck goes further; it’s that some of these salaries, when adjusted, look downright competitive on a national stage. It’s a small-town economy with some big-city earning potential in very specific roles.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. The median household income here is $63,715, but with a 1BR rent averaging just $760 a month, that money stretches. The COL-adjusted average salary of $61,688 means you’re effectively earning what someone making over $68,000 might in an average U.S. city. It’s not a windfall, but it’s a steady, comfortable life—assuming you can land one of the better-paying jobs.

Aberdeen’s economy is anchored by education and healthcare, with Northern State University and Avera St. Luke’s Hospital as the big players. The tech scene is small but growing, and construction trades are always busy. The unemployment rate is a tight 2.2%, so if you have skills, you’re likely to find work. The catch? The city’s education level—only 33.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher—can limit upward mobility for some. Wages are stable, but they’re not skyrocketing; it’s a place for steady, reliable work, not get-rich-quick schemes.

You’ll see the numbers for the top-paying jobs below, from software developers to electricians. They tell a clear story: in Aberdeen, your career choice matters as much as your ambition.