Agriculture & Environment Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Park Ranger Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median park ranger salary in Aberdeen, SD is $35,700 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$35,700
vs State Avg
$-1,700
vs National
$-6,800
Cost of Living
84%

Park Ranger Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median park ranger salary of $35,700, which is $1,700 below the South Dakota state average of $37,400. Compared to the national median of $42,500, 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 $35,700 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Aberdeen spans from $23,520 at the 10th percentile to $60,480 at the 90th percentile — a $36,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,120. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,960
$-7,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $23,520
25th Percentile $28,560
Median (50th) $35,700
75th Percentile $48,720
90th Percentile $60,480

Park Ranger Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$39,100
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$38,250
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$36,550
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$34,850
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Park Ranger in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open park ranger positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Park Ranger make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $35,700 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $23,520 (10th percentile) to $60,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,700, a park ranger in Aberdeen earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median park ranger salary of $35,700 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $37,400. 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 park ranger salary of $35,700 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Aberdeen? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Conservation, Law Enforcement, Public Education, Wildlife Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.