Registered Nurse Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $68,225 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median registered nurse salary of $68,225, which is $3,249 below the South Dakota state average of $71,474. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $68,225 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Aberdeen spans from $48,216 at the 10th percentile to $101,472 at the 90th percentile — a $53,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,720, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $48,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$48,720

$-9,280 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,880

$-13,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$96,600

$-18,400 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$48,216	$50,512	$57,400
25th Percentile	$56,112	$58,784	$66,800
Median (50th)	$68,225	$71,474	$81,220
75th Percentile	$84,924	$88,968	$101,100
90th Percentile	$101,472	$106,304	$120,800

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$48,216

25th Percentile

$56,112

Median (50th)

$68,225

75th Percentile

$84,924

90th Percentile

$101,472

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $68,225 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $48,216 (10th percentile) to $101,472 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $68,225, a registered nurse in Aberdeen earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median registered nurse salary of $68,225 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $71,474. 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 registered nurse salary of $68,225 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Aberdeen? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota