Engineering Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Chemical Engineer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median chemical engineer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $89,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$89,258
vs State Avg
$-4,251
vs National
$-17,002
Cost of Living
84%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median chemical engineer salary of $89,258, which is $4,251 below the South Dakota state average of $93,509. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 $89,258 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Aberdeen spans from $57,120 at the 10th percentile to $144,480 at the 90th percentile — a $87,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,800, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,080. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $58,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,720
$-17,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,080
$-25,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $57,120
25th Percentile $70,560
Median (50th) $89,258
75th Percentile $115,920
90th Percentile $144,480

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$97,759
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$95,634
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$91,384
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$87,133
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $89,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $57,120 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,258, a chemical engineer in Aberdeen earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median chemical engineer salary of $89,258 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $93,509. 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 chemical engineer salary of $89,258 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Aberdeen? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.