Science & Research Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Geologist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median geologist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$70,291
vs State Avg
$-3,347
vs National
$-13,389
Cost of Living
84%

Geologist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median geologist salary of $70,291, which is $3,347 below the South Dakota state average of $73,638. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $70,291 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Aberdeen spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $124,320 at the 90th percentile — a $81,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level geologist earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $70,291
75th Percentile $94,080
90th Percentile $124,320

Geologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,986
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$75,312
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$71,965
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$68,618
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Geologist in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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 Geologist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open geologist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Geologist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median geologist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,291, a geologist in Aberdeen earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for geologist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median geologist salary of $70,291 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $73,638. 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 geologist salary of $70,291 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most geologist positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.