Nuclear Engineer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota
The median nuclear engineer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $101,119 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.
Nuclear Engineer Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)
Aberdeen offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $101,119, which is $4,815 below the South Dakota state average of $105,934. Compared to the national median of $120,380, 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 $101,119 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for nuclear engineers in Aberdeen spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $149,520 at the 90th percentile — a $85,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,520, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,480. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience
In Aberdeen, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD
| Percentile | Aberdeen |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,640 |
| Median (50th) | $101,119 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $149,520 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Aberdeen
Education
Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, nuclear 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 Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Aberdeen
Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Aberdeen, SD: