Public Service Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Security Guard Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median security guard salary in Aberdeen, SD is $29,190 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$29,190
vs State Avg
$-1,390
vs National
$-5,560
Cost of Living
84%

Security Guard Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median security guard salary of $29,190, which is $1,390 below the South Dakota state average of $30,580. Compared to the national median of $34,750, 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 $29,190 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Aberdeen spans from $21,000 at the 10th percentile to $43,680 at the 90th percentile — a $22,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,840, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $42,000. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level security guard earns around $21,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $42,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $21,000
25th Percentile $24,360
Median (50th) $29,190
75th Percentile $35,280
90th Percentile $43,680

Security Guard Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$31,970
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$31,275
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$29,885
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$28,495
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Security Guard in Aberdeen

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open security guard positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Security Guard make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median security guard salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $29,190 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,000 (10th percentile) to $43,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,190, a security guard in Aberdeen earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for security guard pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median security guard salary of $29,190 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $30,580. 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 security guard salary of $29,190 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Aberdeen? ▼
Most security guard positions in Aberdeen require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.