Agriculture & Environment Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Zoologist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median zoologist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $57,313 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$57,313
vs State Avg
$-2,729
vs National
$-10,917
Cost of Living
84%

Zoologist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median zoologist salary of $57,313, which is $2,729 below the South Dakota state average of $60,042. Compared to the national median of $68,230, 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 $57,313 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Aberdeen spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $94,080 at the 90th percentile — a $58,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,200. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level zoologist earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $35,280
25th Percentile $45,360
Median (50th) $57,313
75th Percentile $75,600
90th Percentile $94,080

Zoologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$62,772
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$61,407
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$58,678
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$55,949
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Zoologist in Aberdeen

Education

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

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open zoologist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Zoologist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $57,313 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $94,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,313, a zoologist in Aberdeen earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median zoologist salary of $57,313 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $60,042. 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 zoologist salary of $57,313 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.