Automotive & Maintenance Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Auto Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median auto mechanic salary in Aberdeen, SD is $39,472 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$39,472
vs State Avg
$-1,879
vs National
$-7,518
Cost of Living
84%

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

Aberdeen offers a median auto mechanic salary of $39,472, which is $1,879 below the South Dakota state average of $41,351. Compared to the national median of $46,990, 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 $39,472 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for auto mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for auto mechanics in Aberdeen spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $63,000 at the 90th percentile — a $37,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior auto mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,480. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Auto Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level auto mechanic earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,480
$-11,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $31,080
Median (50th) $39,472
75th Percentile $50,400
90th Percentile $63,000

Auto Mechanic Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Auto Mechanic in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Automotive DiagnosticsEngine RepairBrake SystemsElectrical SystemsASE CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Auto Mechanic Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open auto mechanic positions in Aberdeen, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Auto Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Auto Mechanic make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median auto mechanic salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $39,472 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $46,990. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $63,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Auto Mechanic make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,472, a auto mechanic in Aberdeen earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for auto mechanic pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median auto mechanic salary of $39,472 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $41,351. 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 auto mechanic salary of $39,472 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a auto mechanic in Aberdeen? ▼
Most auto mechanic positions in Aberdeen require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Automotive Diagnostics, Engine Repair, Brake Systems, Electrical Systems. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.