Trades & Labor Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Aberdeen, SD is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$44,134
vs State Avg
$-2,101
vs National
$-8,406
Cost of Living
84%

Heavy Equipment Operator Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134, which is $2,101 below the South Dakota state average of $46,235. Compared to the national median of $52,540, 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 $44,134 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Aberdeen spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $70,560 at the 90th percentile — a $42,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,240, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,200. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $34,440
Median (50th) $44,134
75th Percentile $57,120
90th Percentile $70,560

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$48,337
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$47,286
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$45,184
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$43,083
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

Nationally, heavy equipment operator 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 Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $70,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,134, a heavy equipment operator 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 heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $46,235. 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 heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Aberdeen? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Aberdeen require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.