Creative & Education Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Social Worker Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median social worker salary in Aberdeen, SD is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$46,494
vs State Avg
$-2,214
vs National
$-8,856
Cost of Living
84%

Social Worker Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median social worker salary of $46,494, which is $2,214 below the South Dakota state average of $48,708. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $46,494 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Aberdeen spans from $30,576 at the 10th percentile to $73,752 at the 90th percentile — a $43,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,920, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,880. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $30,576
25th Percentile $37,128
Median (50th) $46,494
75th Percentile $59,136
90th Percentile $73,752

Social Worker Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$50,922
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$49,815
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$47,601
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$45,387
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Social Worker in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open social worker positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Social Worker make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median social worker salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,576 (10th percentile) to $73,752 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,494, a social worker in Aberdeen earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for social worker pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median social worker salary of $46,494 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $48,708. 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 social worker salary of $46,494 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Aberdeen? ▼
Most social worker positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.