Media & Communications Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Journalist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median journalist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$47,006
vs State Avg
$-2,239
vs National
$-8,954
Cost of Living
84%

Journalist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median journalist salary of $47,006, which is $2,239 below the South Dakota state average of $49,245. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $47,006 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Aberdeen spans from $26,880 at the 10th percentile to $92,400 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,000. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level journalist earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $33,600
Median (50th) $47,006
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $92,400

Journalist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,483
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$50,364
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$48,126
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$45,887
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Journalist in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open journalist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Journalist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median journalist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,006, a journalist in Aberdeen earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for journalist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median journalist salary of $47,006 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $49,245. 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 journalist salary of $47,006 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most journalist positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.