Public Service Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median emt/paramedic salary in Aberdeen, SD is $32,701 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$32,701
vs State Avg
$-1,557
vs National
$-6,229
Cost of Living
84%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $32,701, which is $1,557 below the South Dakota state average of $34,258. Compared to the national median of $38,930, 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 $32,701 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Aberdeen spans from $21,840 at the 10th percentile to $52,080 at the 90th percentile — a $30,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,520, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,720. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $21,840
25th Percentile $26,040
Median (50th) $32,701
75th Percentile $42,000
90th Percentile $52,080

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$35,816
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$35,037
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$33,480
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$31,923
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $32,701 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $21,840 (10th percentile) to $52,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,701, a emt/paramedic in Aberdeen earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median emt/paramedic salary of $32,701 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $34,258. 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 emt/paramedic salary of $32,701 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Aberdeen? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Aberdeen require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.