Media & Communications Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median public relations specialist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $56,650 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$56,650
vs State Avg
$-2,697
vs National
$-10,790
Cost of Living
84%

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median public relations specialist salary of $56,650, which is $2,697 below the South Dakota state average of $59,347. Compared to the national median of $67,440, 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 $56,650 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Aberdeen spans from $31,920 at the 10th percentile to $100,800 at the 90th percentile — a $68,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,080. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,080
$-17,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $31,920
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $56,650
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $100,800

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Aberdeen

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $56,650 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,650, a public relations specialist in Aberdeen earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median public relations specialist salary of $56,650 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $59,347. 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 public relations specialist salary of $56,650 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.