Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $89,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $89,756/year (≈ $43.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $96,720 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for a speech-language pathologist in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is set at $89,756 annually. This figure reflects local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost trends. Speech-language pathologists in the area can expect salaries ranging from $60,506 at the lower end (P10) to $117,918 at the high end (P90). These earnings are noteworthy when you compare them to the national median salary, which stands at $101,775, indicating a gap that positions the local pay roughly 11.81% lower than the national average. As the job market continues to stabilize, trends in telepractice and flexible arrangements could offer additional income avenues for professionals in Aberdeen, underscoring the dynamic nature of this field.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,506 | $29.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,462 | $34.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,756 | $43.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,210 | $50.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,918 | $56.70 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,412 (2026 est.). At $89,756, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be above the median
How Aberdeen Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $89,756/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $94,480 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -11.81% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $89,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $94,480.
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 speech-language pathologist earning $89,756 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,720 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,776
2025 BLS Actual
$86,312
2026 Current Est.
$89,756
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,776 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,976 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,723 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,745 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,312 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,337 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $69,776 (2019) to $86,312 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,337 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,561 (33.77%) 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 3.99% 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) | $60,506 – $72,462 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,462 – $89,756 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,756 – $105,210 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,210 – $117,918 |
SLP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual speech-language pathologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in Aberdeen
When evaluating the local job market for speech-language pathologists, the presence of only five SLPs in Aberdeen highlights a niche but possibly competitive environment. Despite a cost-of-living index of 92.8, which suggests lower living expenses compared to the national average, those in the profession may find their take-home pay affected by fluctuating job demands. Salaries may differ significantly based on the setting; for instance, SLPs in medical facilities, such as inpatient rehab, typically earn more than their counterparts in schools or private practice. School districts, as the dominant employer in the region, represent a critical market for many SLPs, although telepractice agencies have gained traction post-2020, potentially altering traditional income models. To maximize earning potential, establishing a strong presence in telepractice or pursuing roles in specialized medical environments could prove beneficial in the Aberdeen market.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health 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 $86,312 for speech-language pathologistsin the Aberdeen metropolitan area. A 3.99% 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 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov