Construction & Real Estate Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Urban Planner Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median urban planner salary in Aberdeen, SD is $66,814 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$66,814
vs State Avg
$-3,181
vs National
$-12,726
Cost of Living
84%

Urban Planner Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median urban planner salary of $66,814, which is $3,181 below the South Dakota state average of $69,995. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 $66,814 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Aberdeen spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $102,480 at the 90th percentile — a $60,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,680, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,120. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level urban planner earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,040
$-12,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,120
$-18,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $66,814
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $102,480

Urban Planner Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$73,177
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$71,586
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$68,404
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$65,223
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Urban Planner in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner 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 Urban Planner Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open urban planner positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Urban Planner make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $66,814 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $102,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,814, a urban planner in Aberdeen earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median urban planner salary of $66,814 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $69,995. 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 urban planner salary of $66,814 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Aberdeen? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Aberdeen require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.