Science & Research Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Chemist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median chemist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $69,544 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$69,544
vs State Avg
$-3,311
vs National
$-13,246
Cost of Living
84%

Chemist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median chemist salary of $69,544, which is $3,311 below the South Dakota state average of $72,855. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $69,544 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Aberdeen spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $119,280 at the 90th percentile — a $78,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,400. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level chemist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,560
$-13,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,400
$-21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $52,080
Median (50th) $69,544
75th Percentile $91,560
90th Percentile $119,280

Chemist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,167
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$74,511
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$71,199
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$67,888
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Chemist in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open chemist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Chemist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median chemist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $69,544 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $119,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,544, a chemist in Aberdeen earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for chemist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median chemist salary of $69,544 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $72,855. 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 chemist salary of $69,544 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most chemist positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.