Trades & Labor Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Truck Driver Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median truck driver salary in Aberdeen, SD is $41,933 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$41,933
vs State Avg
$-1,997
vs National
$-7,987
Cost of Living
84%

Truck Driver Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median truck driver salary of $41,933, which is $1,997 below the South Dakota state average of $43,930. Compared to the national median of $49,920, 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 $41,933 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Aberdeen spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $65,520 at the 90th percentile — a $37,632 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,480. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Truck Driver Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level truck driver earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,480 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)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,480
$-11,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $33,768
Median (50th) $41,933
75th Percentile $53,592
90th Percentile $65,520

Truck Driver Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$45,926
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$44,928
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$42,931
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$40,934
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Truck Driver in Aberdeen

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver 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 Truck Driver Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open truck driver positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Truck Driver make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $41,933 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $65,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,933, a truck driver in Aberdeen earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median truck driver salary of $41,933 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $43,930. 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 truck driver salary of $41,933 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Aberdeen? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Aberdeen require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.