Engineering Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Marine Engineer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median marine engineer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $81,404 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$81,404
vs State Avg
$-3,877
vs National
$-15,506
Cost of Living
84%

Marine Engineer Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median marine engineer salary of $81,404, which is $3,877 below the South Dakota state average of $85,281. Compared to the national median of $96,910, 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 $81,404 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Aberdeen spans from $48,720 at the 10th percentile to $127,680 at the 90th percentile — a $78,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,080, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,800. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,320
$-15,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,800
$-23,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $48,720
25th Percentile $63,840
Median (50th) $81,404
75th Percentile $104,160
90th Percentile $127,680

Marine Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$89,157
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$87,219
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$83,343
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$79,466
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer 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 Marine Engineer Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open marine engineer positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $81,404 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $48,720 (10th percentile) to $127,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,404, a marine engineer in Aberdeen earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median marine engineer salary of $81,404 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $85,281. 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 marine engineer salary of $81,404 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Aberdeen? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.