Physicist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota
The median physicist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $128,041 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.
Physicist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)
Aberdeen offers a median physicist salary of $128,041, which is $6,097 below the South Dakota state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $128,041 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Aberdeen spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $199,920 at the 90th percentile — a $134,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior physicists 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.
Physicist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience
In Aberdeen, an entry-level physicist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD
| Percentile | Aberdeen |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,720 |
| Median (50th) | $128,041 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $199,920 |
Physicist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Aberdeen
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Aberdeen
Browse open physicist positions in Aberdeen, SD: