Media & Communications Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Translator Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median translator salary in Aberdeen, SD is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$47,956
vs State Avg
$-2,283
vs National
$-9,134
Cost of Living
84%

Translator Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median translator salary of $47,956, which is $2,283 below the South Dakota state average of $50,239. Compared to the national median of $57,090, 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 $47,956 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,090 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for translators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for translators in Aberdeen spans from $26,880 at the 10th percentile to $84,840 at the 90th percentile — a $57,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Translator Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level translator earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $47,956
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $84,840

Translator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$52,523
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$51,381
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$49,097
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$46,814
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Translator in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, translator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Translator Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open translator positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Translator make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median translator salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $84,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,956, a translator in Aberdeen earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for translator pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median translator salary of $47,956 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $50,239. 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 translator salary of $47,956 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Aberdeen? ▼
Most translator positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, CAT Tools, Cultural Knowledge, Proofreading. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.