Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $55,062 (2026)

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $55,062, which is $2,622 below the South Dakota state average of $57,684. Compared to the national median of $65,550, 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 $55,062 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,550 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for aircraft mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in Aberdeen spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $84,840 at the 90th percentile — a $49,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,640. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-7,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,280

$-10,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,640

$-15,360 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$35,280	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,680	$45,760	$52,000
Median (50th)	$55,062	$57,684	$65,550
75th Percentile	$70,560	$73,920	$84,000
90th Percentile	$84,840	$88,880	$101,000

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$35,280

25th Percentile

$43,680

Median (50th)

$55,062

75th Percentile

$70,560

90th Percentile

$84,840

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Aberdeen

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $55,062 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $84,840 (90th percentile).

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,062, a aircraft mechanic in Aberdeen earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median aircraft mechanic salary of $55,062 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $57,684. 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 aircraft mechanic salary of $55,062 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Aberdeen? ▼

Most aircraft mechanic positions in Aberdeen require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota