Personal Care & Fitness Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Cosmetologist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median cosmetologist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$29,467
vs State Avg
$-1,403
vs National
$-5,613
Cost of Living
84%

Cosmetologist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median cosmetologist salary of $29,467, which is $1,403 below the South Dakota state average of $30,870. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $29,467 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Aberdeen spans from $18,480 at the 10th percentile to $48,720 at the 90th percentile — a $30,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,160, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,200. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $18,480
25th Percentile $22,680
Median (50th) $29,467
75th Percentile $38,640
90th Percentile $48,720

Cosmetologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$32,274
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$31,572
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$30,169
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$28,766
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,480 (10th percentile) to $48,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,467, a cosmetologist in Aberdeen earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median cosmetologist salary of $29,467 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $30,870. 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 cosmetologist salary of $29,467 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Aberdeen require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.