Engineering Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median mechanical engineer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $80,900 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$80,900
vs State Avg
$-3,853
vs National
$-15,410
Cost of Living
84%

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

Aberdeen offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $80,900, which is $3,853 below the South Dakota state average of $84,753. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $80,900 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Aberdeen spans from $53,256 at the 10th percentile to $122,808 at the 90th percentile — a $69,552 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,920. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,920
$-22,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $53,256
25th Percentile $66,192
Median (50th) $80,900
75th Percentile $100,464
90th Percentile $122,808

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$88,605
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$86,679
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$82,827
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$78,974
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $80,900 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $53,256 (10th percentile) to $122,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,900, a mechanical 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 mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median mechanical engineer salary of $80,900 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $84,753. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $80,900 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Aberdeen? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.