Legal Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Lawyer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median lawyer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $114,022 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$114,022
vs State Avg
$-5,429
vs National
$-21,718
Cost of Living
84%

Lawyer Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median lawyer salary of $114,022, which is $5,429 below the South Dakota state average of $119,451. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 $114,022 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for lawyers in Aberdeen spans from $54,600 at the 10th percentile to $200,928 at the 90th percentile — a $146,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,800, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Lawyer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level lawyer earns around $58,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,920
$-22,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
$-35,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $54,600
25th Percentile $71,400
Median (50th) $114,022
75th Percentile $156,240
90th Percentile $200,928

Lawyer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$124,881
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$122,166
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$116,736
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$111,307
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Lawyer in Aberdeen

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer 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.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open lawyer positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Lawyer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $114,022 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $54,600 (10th percentile) to $200,928 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,022, a lawyer in Aberdeen earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median lawyer salary of $114,022 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $119,451. 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 lawyer salary of $114,022 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Aberdeen? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Aberdeen require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.