Business & Finance Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Economist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median economist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $95,710 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$95,710
vs State Avg
$-4,557
vs National
$-18,230
Cost of Living
84%

Economist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median economist salary of $95,710, which is $4,557 below the South Dakota state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $95,710 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Aberdeen spans from $52,080 at the 10th percentile to $166,320 at the 90th percentile — a $114,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,400. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level economist earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,600
$-18,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,400
$-29,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $52,080
25th Percentile $68,880
Median (50th) $95,710
75th Percentile $130,200
90th Percentile $166,320

Economist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$104,825
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$102,546
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$97,988
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$93,431
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Economist in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open economist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Economist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median economist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $95,710 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $52,080 (10th percentile) to $166,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,710, a economist in Aberdeen earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for economist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median economist salary of $95,710 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $100,267. 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 economist salary of $95,710 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most economist positions in Aberdeen require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.