Veterinarian Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $121,115 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $121,115/year (≈ $58.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $130,512 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average veterinarian salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is projected to be $121,115 annually, reflecting a salary range from $72,341 at the lower end to $187,729 at the upper tier. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, indicating significant variances based on factors such as experience and practice location. While the local median salary is approximately 11.81% lower than the national benchmark of $137,334, the market also demonstrates a competitive compensation structure influenced by production-based revenue models. Understanding how generated revenue affects earnings is crucial for veterinarians in Aberdeen, particularly in light of the area's evolving job market dynamics.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,341 | $34.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,015 | $46.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,115 | $58.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,641 | $74.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,729 | $90.25 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,388 (2026 est.). At $121,115, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Veterinarian Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $121,115/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $127,490 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -11.81% less |
Veterinarians in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $121,115 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $127,490.
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 veterinarian earning $121,115 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,512 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,187
2025 BLS Actual
$114,736
2026 Current Est.
$121,115
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,187 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,517 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,736 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,115 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,849 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $84,187 (2019) to $114,736 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,849 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,662 (51.86%) 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 5.56% 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) | $72,341 – $96,015 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,015 – $121,115 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,115 – $154,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,641 – $187,729 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Aberdeen
With only five veterinarians currently employed in Aberdeen, competition for roles can be moderate, making this a unique market. The cost of living index in Aberdeen sits at 92.8, which is below the national average; this context is vital as it enhances the take-home purchasing power for veterinarians. Larger corporate veterinary groups, such as VCA and BluePearl, often provide some of the highest salaries due to production-based compensation models and substantial sign-on bonuses that can range from $50,000 to $150,000 in areas with staffing shortages. Additionally, the disparity in pay is further influenced by specialization; board-certified veterinarians in surgery or internal medicine tend to earn significantly more than their general practice counterparts. To maximize earning potential in this market, veterinarians should consider enhancing their skills through specialty certifications or pursuing ownership opportunities within independent practices.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
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 $114,736 for veterinariansin the Aberdeen metropolitan area. A 5.56% 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 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov