Instructional Designer Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $60,480 (2026)

Instructional Designer Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median instructional designer salary of $60,480, which is $2,880 below the South Dakota state average of $63,360. Compared to the national median of $72,000, 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 $60,480 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for instructional designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for instructional designers in Aberdeen spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $99,120 at the 90th percentile — a $62,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,080. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Instructional Designer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,640

$-7,360 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$62,160

$-11,840 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$94,080

$-17,920 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$36,960	$38,720	$44,000
25th Percentile	$47,040	$49,280	$56,000
Median (50th)	$60,480	$63,360	$72,000
75th Percentile	$79,800	$83,600	$95,000
90th Percentile	$99,120	$103,840	$118,000

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$36,960

25th Percentile

$47,040

Median (50th)

$60,480

75th Percentile

$79,800

90th Percentile

$99,120

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median instructional designer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $60,480 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $99,120 (90th percentile).

How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,480, a instructional designer in Aberdeen earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for instructional designer pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median instructional designer salary of $60,480 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $63,360. 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 instructional designer salary of $60,480 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Aberdeen? ▼

Most instructional designer positions in Aberdeen require a master's degree. Key skills include Instructional Design, Articulate/Captivate, LMS, ADDIE Model. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Instructional Designer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota