Public Service Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Firefighter Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median firefighter salary in Aberdeen, SD is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$43,411
vs State Avg
$-2,067
vs National
$-8,269
Cost of Living
84%

Firefighter Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median firefighter salary of $43,411, which is $2,067 below the South Dakota state average of $45,478. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $43,411 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Aberdeen spans from $24,864 at the 10th percentile to $77,952 at the 90th percentile — a $53,088 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,880. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level firefighter earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $24,864
25th Percentile $32,424
Median (50th) $43,411
75th Percentile $59,808
90th Percentile $77,952

Firefighter Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$47,546
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$46,512
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$44,445
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$42,378
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Firefighter in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open firefighter positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Firefighter make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $24,864 (10th percentile) to $77,952 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,411, a firefighter in Aberdeen earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median firefighter salary of $43,411 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $45,478. 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 firefighter salary of $43,411 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Aberdeen? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Aberdeen require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.