School Counselor Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $50,518 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median school counselor salary of $50,518, which is $2,405 below the South Dakota state average of $52,923. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 $50,518 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Aberdeen spans from $32,088 at the 10th percentile to $79,632 at the 90th percentile — a $47,544 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,400. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level school counselor earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,600

$-6,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$50,400

$-9,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$71,400

$-13,600 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$32,088	$33,616	$38,200
25th Percentile	$39,480	$41,360	$47,000
Median (50th)	$50,518	$52,923	$60,140
75th Percentile	$64,008	$67,056	$76,200
90th Percentile	$79,632	$83,424	$94,800

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$32,088

25th Percentile

$39,480

Median (50th)

$50,518

75th Percentile

$64,008

90th Percentile

$79,632

How to Become a School Counselor in Aberdeen

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a School Counselor make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $50,518 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,088 (10th percentile) to $79,632 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $50,518, a school counselor in Aberdeen earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median school counselor salary of $50,518 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $52,923. 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 school counselor salary of $50,518 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Aberdeen? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Aberdeen require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota