Police Officer Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $69,267 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $69,267/year (≈ $33.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $74,641 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officer salaries in Aberdeen, South Dakota, exhibit a median annual pay of $69,267, reflecting a significant application of the pension multiplier formula that impacts long-term financial planning for officers in the field. With salary ranges stretching from $45,317 at the 10th percentile to $100,391 at the 90th percentile, these figures serve as local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variances. Such compensation indicates that while Aberdeen's police officer salary is competitive within its context, it falls approximately 11.81% below the national median of $78,542. This dynamic can affect the attractiveness of positions in the area, particularly as the growth rate for these roles stands at 3.06% annually.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,317 | $21.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,779 | $26.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,267 | $33.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,661 | $42.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,391 | $48.26 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,074 (2026 est.). At $69,267, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Police Officer Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $69,267/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $72,912 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -11.81% less |
Police Officers in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $69,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $72,912.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $69,267 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,641 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,692
2025 BLS Actual
$67,210
2026 Current Est.
$69,267
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,692 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,505 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,386 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $55,692 (2019) to $67,210 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,386 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,694 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,317 – $54,779 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,779 – $69,267 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,267 – $88,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,661 – $100,391 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Aberdeen
The local job market for police officers in Aberdeen shows a compact workforce, with only five individuals currently employed in this field, indicative of a tight job environment where availability of positions may be limited. The cost-of-living index at 92.8 suggests that while salaries might seem modest compared to national norms, purchasing power remains relatively stable due to lower living costs. Among various employers, municipal police departments typically dominate the pay scale, though candidates may earn more through county sheriff’s offices or federal agencies, due to their larger budgets and benefits. Factors like union negotiations, overtime structures, and specialized assignments can widen the gap between entry-level and experienced officers. To maximize earning potential, individuals should consider pursuing advanced educational qualifications, which can lead to higher salaries and enhanced retirement benefits as they navigate their career paths in law enforcement within Aberdeen.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,210 for police officersin the Aberdeen metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov