Surveyor Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $55,096 (2026)

Surveyor Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median surveyor salary of $55,096, which is $2,623 below the South Dakota state average of $57,719. Compared to the national median of $65,590, 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 $55,096 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for surveyors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surveyors in Aberdeen spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $89,040 at the 90th percentile — a $55,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,000. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surveyor Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level surveyor earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 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)

$56,280

$-10,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$84,000

$-16,000 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$33,600	$35,200	$40,000
25th Percentile	$43,680	$45,760	$52,000
Median (50th)	$55,096	$57,719	$65,590
75th Percentile	$72,240	$75,680	$86,000
90th Percentile	$89,040	$93,280	$106,000

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$33,600

25th Percentile

$43,680

Median (50th)

$55,096

75th Percentile

$72,240

90th Percentile

$89,040

How to Become a Surveyor in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook

Nationally, surveyor 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: Surveyor Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Surveyor make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median surveyor salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $55,096 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $89,040 (90th percentile).

How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,096, a surveyor in Aberdeen earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Aberdeen's median surveyor salary of $55,096 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $57,719. 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 surveyor salary of $55,096 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most surveyor positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Surveying Equipment, GPS/GIS, CAD, Mathematics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Surveyor Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota