Public Service Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Correctional Officer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median correctional officer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $41,672 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$41,672
vs State Avg
$-1,985
vs National
$-7,938
Cost of Living
84%

Correctional Officer Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median correctional officer salary of $41,672, which is $1,985 below the South Dakota state average of $43,657. Compared to the national median of $49,610, 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 $41,672 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Aberdeen spans from $27,720 at the 10th percentile to $65,520 at the 90th percentile — a $37,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior correctional officers 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.

Correctional Officer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $29,400, 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)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,480
$-11,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $27,720
25th Percentile $32,760
Median (50th) $41,672
75th Percentile $52,920
90th Percentile $65,520

Correctional Officer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$45,641
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$44,649
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$42,665
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$40,680
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Aberdeen

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open correctional officer positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $41,672 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $27,720 (10th percentile) to $65,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,672, a correctional officer in Aberdeen earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median correctional officer salary of $41,672 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $43,657. 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 correctional officer salary of $41,672 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Aberdeen? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Aberdeen require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.