Accountant in Aberdeen, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Aberdeen Stands

As a career analyst who’s crunched the numbers for folks moving to Aberdeen, I can tell you the financial picture is solid but comes with a specific regional profile. The accountancy market here is stable, driven by agriculture, healthcare, and education rather than a sprawling corporate sector. You're not chasing Wall Street salaries, but your paycheck stretches further than almost anywhere else.

Let's break down the earnings, using the hard data we have. The median salary for accountants in Aberdeen sits at $83,368/year. That translates to a very comfortable hourly rate of $40.08/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but given Aberdeen's cost of living, that gap is a major advantage.

Here’s how experience level typically breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Aberdeen Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level Accountant	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Often starts in bookkeeping or staff accountant roles at local firms or mid-sized companies. A CPA license is not required but is a major differentiator.
Mid-Level Accountant	3-7 years	$70,000 - $85,000	This is where you hit the median. You're likely managing client accounts (if in public accounting) or a key part of a corporate finance team.
Senior Accountant	8-15 years	$85,000 - $105,000	With a CPA and solid experience, you can command the top end. This often includes supervisory duties and complex financial reporting.
Expert/Controller	15+ years	$100,000 - $130,000+	These roles are limited in number (think CFO at a hospital, controller at a large agricultural co-op). They require deep local industry knowledge.

Comparison to Other SD Cities:

• Sioux Falls: Median is closer to $82,000, but the cost of living is 15% higher. The job market is vastly larger (nearly 500 accountancy jobs), with more Fortune 500 corporate roles.
• Rapid City: Median is similar (~$81,000), but it's a tourism and service-based economy. Aberdeen's base is more stable (health, education, ag).
• Pierre (State Capital): Salaries are higher (~$90,000 median) due to government jobs, but the market is tiny (under 20 jobs).

Insider Tip: In Aberdeen, "experience" means understanding local industries. Knowing the financial nuances of a dairy co-op like Dairy Farmers of America or the grant accounting required at Avera St. Luke's Hospital is worth more than a generic resume line. That’s how you land at the top of the pay scale.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's ground this in reality. We'll use the $83,368 median salary as our baseline for a mid-career accountant. South Dakota is a tax haven—there's no state income tax. Your federal deductions and FICA (7.65%) will be your main hits.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary:

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,947	($83,368 / 12)
Federal Taxes & FICA	~$1,350	Rough estimate for a single filer with standard deduction.
Take-Home Pay	~$5,597	Your actual cash-in-hand.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$760	The city-wide average. A nice 2-bedroom can be found for $900-$1,100.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$180	Aberdeen winters are cold; heating bills matter.
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	A necessity in Aberdeen; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employee Share)	$300	Varies by employer; this is a typical contribution.
Retirement (401k, 5%)	$347	Highly recommended, especially with employer match.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$2,160	This is your buffer for dining, entertainment, savings, and travel.
Total Expenses	~$4,587
Monthly Surplus	~$1,010

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of over $1,000/month and a median home price in Aberdeen around $275,000 (Zillow, 2023), a 20% down payment ($55,000) is achievable with disciplined saving. A 30-year fixed mortgage at 7% would be roughly $1,460/month, including taxes and insurance. Your mortgage payment would be about 26% of your gross monthly pay, well within the recommended 28% guideline.

Personal Insight: The real estate market here is competitive but stable. The best time to buy is often in late fall or winter when the market slows. Many locals use First Bank & Trust or Bank of the West for mortgages, as they understand the local agricultural and healthcare income cycles.

Where the Jobs Are: Aberdeen's Major Employers

Aberdeen's job market for accountants is not vast, but it's concentrated in a few key sectors. There are approximately 56 accountant jobs in the metro area at any given time. Hiring is steady but not explosive (10-year job growth of 4%). You're looking for stability, not rapid expansion.

Here are the major players you should target:

1. Avera St. Luke's Hospital: The largest employer in the region. They hire staff accountants, accountants for their medical foundation, and financial analysts. The work is complex, dealing with healthcare grants, reimbursements, and regulatory compliance. Hiring is cyclical, often tied to budget cycles.

2. Agricultural Cooperatives (DAI, Midwest Ag): Aberdeen is in the heart of South Dakota's ag belt. Co-ops like Dakota Agronomics Partners (DAI) and Midwest Ag Energy need accountants who understand commodity pricing, inventory, and seasonal cash flow. This is a niche but high-demand skill set.

3. Northern State University (NSU): As a public university, NSU requires accountants for its business office, foundation, and athletic department. The work offers good benefits and a predictable schedule. These positions are competitive and often posted on the South Dakota state jobs website.

4. Brown County Government: The county seat is in Aberdeen. They hire accountants for budget management, property tax administration, and auditing. These are stable government jobs with excellent pensions. Knowing the South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) is a plus here.

5. Local Public Accounting Firms: While smaller than Sioux Falls, firms like Eide Bailly (regional firm with an Aberdeen office) and Rogers, Olson & Co. provide public accounting services to local businesses. You'll get broad exposure to small business accounting, agriculture, and non-profits.

6. Corporate Headquarters (e.g., Hub City Inc.): Some companies, like the manufacturing firm Hub City Inc., have their corporate HQ in Aberdeen. They need internal accountants for cost accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.

Hiring Trend Insight: Demand is strongest for accountants with 3-7 years of experience and a CPA. Entry-level roles are posted, but competition is high from NSU grads. The best time to look is January-March (post-holiday) and August-September (pre-budget season).

Getting Licensed in SD

If you're aiming for the top-paying roles, a CPA license is essential. South Dakota's requirements are straightforward but strict.

State-Specific Requirements (via the South Dakota Board of Accountancy):

1. Education: A 120-credit hour bachelor's degree is the minimum to sit for the CPA exam, but you need 150 credit hours to get the license. Most accountants complete a master's in accounting or get extra credits while working.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You have an 18-month rolling window to pass all four once you pass your first.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA's professional ethics exam.

Cost and Timeline:

• Exam Fees: Approximately $1,500 for all four sections (varies by state).
• Application/Licensing Fees: Roughly $200-$300.
• Study Materials: Becker, Wiley, or Roger CPA can cost $1,500 - $3,000.
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,200 - $4,800.
• Timeline: If you start with 120 credits, plan for 2-3 years to complete the extra education, pass the exam, and gain experience. If you already have 150 credits, you can be licensed in 12-18 months.

Insider Tip: The South Dakota Board of Accountancy is reasonable but meticulous. Keep impeccable records of your work hours under your CPA supervisor. The South Dakota Society of CPAs (SDSCPA) is a fantastic resource for finding mentors and job openings.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Aberdeen is a compact city. You can live almost anywhere and have a 15-minute commute. Your choice depends more on lifestyle than logistics.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
North Aberdeen	Quiet, residential, close to NSU and Avera St. Luke's. 5-10 min drive to downtown.	$700 - $850	Young professionals, families. Easy access to the hospital for work.
Downtown Aberdeen	Historic, walkable, with local shops and restaurants. Limited parking. Close to county and state offices.	$650 - $800	Urbanites who value walkability and a short commute.
East Side	Modern, newer developments, close to Hub City Inc. and retail. Very family-friendly.	$750 - $900	Those wanting a newer apartment and easy access to retail.
West Side	Older, established, more affordable. Close to the airport and some industrial areas.	$600 - $750	Budget-conscious renters who don't mind an older apartment.
Near NSU Campus	Energetic, student-heavy but also has professional housing. Very close to the university.	$650 - $800	Accountants working at NSU or who want a lively atmosphere.

Personal Tip: If you're working at Avera St. Luke's or NSU, North Aberdeen is your best bet for a short, easy commute. If you're at the county or state offices, Downtown is ideal. For corporate roles (Hub City, DAI), the East Side offers a modern lifestyle with a quick drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Aberdeen, career advancement is about specialization and local reputation, not just climbing a corporate ladder.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: Adds a 10-15% premium to your salary immediately. It's the single most important credential.
• Industry Knowledge: An accountant who understands agricultural accounting (co-op structures, crop insurance) or healthcare finance (DRGs, Medicare/Medicaid) can command a higher salary. This knowledge is often learned on the job.
• Software Expertise: Proficiency in QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, and Microsoft Dynamics is expected. Advanced Excel (Power Query, VBA) is a significant plus.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner (if at a local firm). This path offers the fastest skill development but can be demanding, especially during tax season.
2. Industry Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This is a slower, steadier climb. The Controller and CFO roles at local institutions like Avera or a large co-op are the pinnacle here, often paying $110,000 - $140,000.
3. Government Path: Accountant → Budget Analyst → Finance Director. This path offers exceptional job security and benefits, with a clear, seniority-based progression.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is modest. This means the market won't flood, but it also won't explode. Your best strategy for growth is to become indispensable in your niche. Move from a generalist to a specialist (e.g., the go-to person for healthcare grants at Avera). Consider also pursuing a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) if your role aligns with that. The most significant growth will come from replacing retiring baby boomers in senior roles over the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Aberdeen Right for You?

Aberdeen is a specific choice. It rewards those who value community, stability, and a high quality of life over the buzz of a major metropolis.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much, much further.	Limited Job Market: Only 56 jobs; you must be patient and strategic.
No State Income Tax: A direct financial benefit.	Slower Career Growth: Advancement can take time; fewer "expert" level openings.
Short Commutes & Easy Parking: Stress-free daily logistics.	Limited Cultural & Entertainment Options: Few major concerts, sports, or dining scenes.
Strong Sense of Community: You're not a number; you build a real network.	Harsh Winters: Can be challenging if you're not used to cold and snow.
Stable Employers: Hospitals, government, and ag co-ops rarely go under.	Reliance on Specific Industries: Your career is tied to health, education, and ag.

Final Recommendation:
Aberdeen is an excellent choice for accountants who are early to mid-career and prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and community integration. It's perfect for someone looking to buy a home, start a family, or pay down student debt aggressively. It is not the right fit for someone seeking the fast-paced, high-competition, and high-salary environment of a major financial center.

If you're willing to specialize, get your CPA, and invest in local industry knowledge, you can build a successful, rewarding, and financially secure career here.

FAQs

1. Is the job market competitive for new accountants in Aberdeen?
Yes, but in a specific way. There aren't many openings (~56 total), so each posting attracts applicants from Northern State University and the local workforce. To stand out, get your CPA license (or be actively pursuing it) and tailor your resume to the specific employer—highlight any relevant experience with healthcare, agriculture, or government accounting.

2. How important is the CPA license here?
It's critical if you want to reach the median salary of $83,368 and beyond. For staff accountant roles, it's a "preferred" qualification. For senior, manager, and controller roles, it's almost always required. The $3,200 - $4,800 investment pays for itself quickly in salary premiums and job security.

3. What's the commute like?
Exceptional. The average commute in Aberdeen is under 15 minutes. You can live in any neighborhood and reach any major employer (Avera, NSU, County Government, Downtown) in under 10 minutes during normal hours. Traffic is non-existent, and parking is free and plentiful.

4. Can I live in Aberdeen without a car?
Technically, yes, but it's not practical. While some areas (Downtown, near NSU) are walkable for groceries and coffee, the main employers (Avera St. Luke's, DAI, the east side retail corridor) are spread out. A car is a near-necessity for comfortable daily life and for taking full advantage of the region.

5. What's the social scene like for young professionals?
It's community-oriented rather than nightlife-focused. The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Aberdeen Community Theatre offer cultural events. Socializing often revolves around sports (NSU Wolves games are big), outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, biking), and community festivals. It’s a great place if your social life is built around shared interests and neighborhood connections rather than clubs and bars.