Agriculture & Environment Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median agricultural scientist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $62,294 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$62,294
vs State Avg
$-2,967
vs National
$-11,866
Cost of Living
84%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $62,294, which is $2,967 below the South Dakota state average of $65,261. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $62,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Aberdeen spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $102,480 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,840
$-12,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-18,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,040
Median (50th) $62,294
75th Percentile $82,320
90th Percentile $102,480

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Aberdeen

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $62,294 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $102,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,294, a agricultural scientist in Aberdeen earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median agricultural scientist salary of $62,294 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $65,261. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $62,294 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.