Automotive & Maintenance Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median diesel mechanic salary in Aberdeen, SD is $46,536 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$46,536
vs State Avg
$-2,216
vs National
$-8,864
Cost of Living
84%

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

Aberdeen offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $46,536, which is $2,216 below the South Dakota state average of $48,752. Compared to the national median of $55,400, 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 $46,536 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for diesel mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Aberdeen spans from $29,400 at the 10th percentile to $68,880 at the 90th percentile — a $39,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,080, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,520. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $31,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,080
$-5,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $36,120
Median (50th) $46,536
75th Percentile $57,960
90th Percentile $68,880

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$50,968
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$49,860
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$47,644
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$45,428
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Diesel EnginesHydraulic SystemsElectrical DiagnosticsPreventive MaintenanceCDL KnowledgeWelding

Job Outlook

Nationally, diesel mechanic 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 Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $46,536 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,536, a diesel mechanic in Aberdeen earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median diesel mechanic salary of $46,536 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $48,752. 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 diesel mechanic salary of $46,536 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Aberdeen? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Aberdeen require a high school diploma. Key skills include Diesel Engines, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical Diagnostics, Preventive Maintenance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.