Healthcare Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Veterinarian Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median veterinarian salary in Aberdeen, SD is $86,738 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$86,738
vs State Avg
$-4,131
vs National
$-16,522
Cost of Living
84%

Veterinarian Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median veterinarian salary of $86,738, which is $4,131 below the South Dakota state average of $90,869. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 $86,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Aberdeen spans from $54,768 at the 10th percentile to $146,328 at the 90th percentile — a $91,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,120, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,200. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinarian Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $57,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,200
$-24,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $54,768
25th Percentile $67,536
Median (50th) $86,738
75th Percentile $112,896
90th Percentile $146,328

Veterinarian Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$94,999
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$92,934
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$88,804
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$84,673
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Veterinarian in Aberdeen

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open veterinarian positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Veterinarian make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $86,738 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $54,768 (10th percentile) to $146,328 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,738, a veterinarian in Aberdeen earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median veterinarian salary of $86,738 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $90,869. 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 veterinarian salary of $86,738 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Aberdeen? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Aberdeen require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.