Plumber in Aberdeen, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Aberdeen Stands

As a local career analyst, I'll say this straight: if you're a plumber looking at Aberdeen, you're not chasing a coastal metro paycheck. You're looking at a stable, affordable market with decent earning power. Let's break down what the numbers actually mean on the ground.

The median salary for a plumber in Aberdeen is $61,354/year. That's the baseline—the point where half of the local plumbers earn more, and half earn less. On an hourly basis, that translates to $29.5/hour. Now, you might see the national average of $63,350/year and think Aberdeen is slightly below. And you'd be right—by about 3%. But that's not the whole story. The national figure is heavily skewed by high-cost coastal cities. In the Aberdeen context, that $61,354 has significantly more purchasing power.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience, which is more relevant than years served. This is based on local job postings and conversations with trade professionals in the area:

Experience Level	Expected Salary Range (Aberdeen)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	Basic drain cleaning, fixture installation, assisting senior techs. Often starts as a helper/apprentice.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, rough-in work, water heater installations, troubleshooting.
Senior (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Complex diagnostics, commercial projects, mentoring apprentices, estimating.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$75,000+ (plus profit)	Business ownership, major plumbing design, specialty work (medical gas, industrial), city inspections.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid to senior level in Aberdeen is where you see the biggest pay increase. It's about becoming a reliable, independent problem-solver. Plumbers who can handle both residential service and commercial rough-in are the most valuable and can command the top end of the mid-level range.

How does Aberdeen stack up against other South Dakota cities? It's a classic mid-sized market. Sioux Falls, the state's largest metro, has more volume and slightly higher pay (closer to the national average), but also more competition and higher living costs. Rapid City offers similar wages to Aberdeen but with a tourism-driven seasonal fluctuation. Aberdeen's steady demand from agriculture, education, and healthcare makes it a more predictable market.

Data Point: With only 56 jobs in the metro area (according to BLS data), the market is tight. You won't be drowning in postings, but the demand is constant. The 10-year job growth of 6% is modest but stable—this isn't a boomtown, it's a bedrock community that needs its tradespeople.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $61,354 median salary means for your monthly life. We'll use Aberdeen's cost of living data to build a practical budget.

First, taxes (using 2023 single filer rates with SD state tax of 4.5%):

• Gross Monthly: $61,354 / 12 = $5,113
• Estimated Deductions (Federal, SD Tax, FICA ~22%): ~$1,125
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,988

Now, for living costs. Aberdeen's average 1-bedroom rent is $760/month. This is a key advantage. The Cost of Living Index is 89.5 (US avg = 100), meaning you're getting goods and services for about 10.5% less than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary, living alone in a modest 1-bedroom apartment:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$760	City average. Can be as low as $650 in older buildings.
Utilities (Gas, Elec, Water, Internet)	$220	Aberdeen's cold winters mean higher heating bills (natural gas is common and relatively affordable).
Groceries & Household	$350	For one person. Local markets like Hy-Vee and Super 1 Foods are the main options.
Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas)	$500	A car is a necessity in Aberdeen. No extensive public transit. Insurance is lower than national average.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$150	Varies widely, but a reasonable estimate for a single person.
Retirement Savings (IRA/401k)	$400	Strongly recommended. This is 10% of your take-home.
Discretionary/Other	$308	Eating out, entertainment, clothing, etc.
TOTAL	$2,688
Remaining Buffer	$1,300	This is your safety net, savings, or money for a home down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Let's break it down. The median home price in Aberdeen is around $220,000 (based on recent MLS data). With a 10% down payment ($22,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,230 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). This is well within the budget above, especially if you have a two-income household. For a single plumber, it's still feasible with disciplined saving for the down payment.

Insider Tip: The housing market in Aberdeen is not speculative. You're buying a place to live, not an investment vehicle. Focus on neighborhoods with good bones and proximity to your work. The $1,300 monthly buffer in the budget above is your key to saving for that down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Aberdeen's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers here is driven by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, agriculture/agri-business, and municipal services. Here are the specific employers you need to know:

1. Avera St. Luke's Hospital: The largest employer in the city. They have a dedicated in-house facilities and maintenance team that includes licensed plumbers. These are stable, union-adjacent jobs with excellent benefits. They hire for both facilities roles and contracted projects. Hiring Trend: Steady; they value long-term employees. Check their careers page under "Facilities" or "Engineering."

2. Aberdeen Public School District: Maintains over a dozen schools. Their facilities department is constantly busy with repairs, upgrades, and new construction (like the recent Roncalli Elementary project). These jobs offer great schedules aligned with the school year and pension benefits. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They often contract out large projects but keep maintenance in-house.

3. Commercial Contractors (Larson & Larson, B&B Construction, etc.): These are the firms you call for new builds, major remodels, and commercial rough-in. They are the primary employers for project-based, higher-earning work. Hiring Trend: Cyclic with the construction market, but a strong local reputation is key. Networking here is essential.

4. City of Aberdeen: The municipal utilities department employs plumbers and pipefitters for city water and sewer mains, as well as public facility maintenance. These are civil service jobs with strong benefits and job security. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady; openings occur due to retirements. Requires a civil service exam.

5. Local Plumbing Companies (e.g., All Seasons Plumbing, Aberdeen Plumbing & Heating): These are the backbone of residential service work. They handle everything from emergency calls to installations. Joining one gives you a company truck, a steady stream of work, and a path to becoming a lead technician. Hiring Trend: Always in need of reliable, licensed technicians. Turnover is low, so when a spot opens, it's a big deal.

6. Northern State University: The campus has its own facilities team. While smaller than the hospital or school district, it's another stable employer with similar benefits. They handle dorms, academic buildings, and athletic facilities.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't advertised. Walk into the offices of the local contractors and commercial shops with your resume and a firm handshake. In Aberdeen, personal reputation is currency. A recommendation from a local supplier at Ferguson Enterprises or a plumbing wholesaler can be more valuable than an online application.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota has a clear, no-nonsense licensing process managed by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Plumbing. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Apprenticeship (1-2 Years):

• Requirement: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This is typically 1,440 hours of on-the-job training per year, plus classroom instruction.
• Cost: Apprentices usually get paid while learning (starting around $18-22/hour). Classroom costs are often covered by the employer or a union apprenticeship fund. If you pay out-of-pocket, expect ~$1,000-$2,000 for the entire program.
• Timeline: 1-2 years, depending on the program structure.

2. Journeyman Plumber License:

• Requirement: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the required exams, you can apply for your Journeyman license. In South Dakota, you must have 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience working under a licensed plumber before you can test for your Journeyman license. This is a key difference from some states.
• Exam: The state exam is based on the South Dakota Plumbing Code (which is based on the International Plumbing Code). It's a multiple-choice test.
• Cost: Exam fee is $150. License application fee is $100 (biennial renewal).
• Timeline: After your 4 years of documented experience, you can apply to take the exam. Once you pass, you're a Journeyman.

3. Master Plumber License:

• Requirement: You must be a licensed Journeyman for at least 2 years and have additional experience (the state requires a total of 6 years of plumbing experience).
• Exam: A more advanced exam focusing on business and law, as well as advanced plumbing code.
• Cost: Exam fee $150, License fee $150 (biennial).
• Timeline: Minimum of 2 years as a Journeyman.

Insider Tip: South Dakota does not have reciprocity with many states. If you're moving from out of state, you will likely need to document your experience and may have to take the state exams. Contact the SD Department of Labor directly for an evaluation of your credentials.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Aberdeen means considering your commute to job sites, which can range from the hospital on the east side to new developments on the west. Here are the best areas, factoring in lifestyle and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Plumbers
West Side	Family-friendly, quiet, older homes with character. 5-10 min drive to most commercial/industrial areas.	$700 - $850	Proximity to contractors' offices and new construction on the west edge of town. Good value for older housing stock.
Near North	Affordable, mix of older rentals and homes. Easy access to the hospital (Avera St. Luke's) and downtown.	$650 - $750	Central location. Quick commute to the hospital (a major employer) and the school district. Very practical.
Downtown/South Side	More walkable, closer to restaurants and bars. Older apartments and some renovated lofts.	$750 - $900	For those who value a social scene. Commute to work is still easy, but rent pushes the budget.
East Side	Newer construction, subdivisions, and apartment complexes. Close to the mall and retail.	$800 - $950	The newest housing stock, but farther from the core industrial and hospital zones. A longer commute for service calls.
Campus Area	Near Northern State University. Rented mostly to students, but some older homes are available.	$600 - $700	Very affordable, but can be noisy with student life. Best for a single plumber who doesn't mind a younger scene.

Insider Tip: If you're looking to buy, the West Side and Near North neighborhoods offer the best balance of affordability, character, and commute. The housing stock is older, which means more plumbing work for you, but also potential for issues. Get a thorough inspection!

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Aberdeen, career growth is less about rapid promotion and more about deepening your expertise and reputation.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial/Industrial: Plumbers with experience in commercial rough-in, medical gas (huge for the hospital), or industrial piping can command 10-15% above the median.
• Service & Repair Techs: The most in-demand specialty. If you're the guy who can diagnose a complex boiler issue or clear a main sewer line without a mess, you can name your price. This is where the $78,000+ range is hit.
• Estimating & Project Management: Moving from the tools to the office. This path leads to salaries in the mid-to-high $70s but requires strong computer and people skills.
• Business Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. A small, well-run plumbing business in Aberdeen can be very profitable, as there's room for a reputable local player. This is where you see incomes exceed $100,000.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth over 10 years indicates stability, not a boom. The drivers are consistent: an aging population (more repairs), ongoing school and hospital maintenance, and steady residential construction. The biggest threat isn't lack of demand, but a lack of new apprentices entering the trade. This puts experienced plumbers in a strong negotiating position. The key to growth is certification. Getting certified in backflow prevention, hydronic heating, or medical gas will make you indispensable.

The Verdict: Is Aberdeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than in a major metro.	Limited Job Market: Only 56 jobs in the metro means fewer openings and less specialization.
Stable Demand: Core employers like the hospital and school district provide consistent work.	Harsh Winters: Heating season is long and intense, which can mean physically demanding service calls.
Strong Community: You're not just a number; you're a local tradesperson with a reputation to build.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: If you crave big-city amenities, you'll be driving to Minneapolis (3 hours).
Path to Homeownership: The math works. A plumber can realistically buy a home here.	Wage Growth Plateau: Salaries don't climb as high here as in coastal cities; top-out is around $78k unless you own a business.
Work-Life Balance: Commutes are short, and the pace is generally less frantic.	Weather: Blizzards and sub-zero temps can disrupt schedules and are a real part of the job.

Final Recommendation:
Aberdeen is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and community over high-stress, high-cost living. It's ideal for someone in the mid-level career stage looking to plant roots, start a family, and buy a home. It's also a smart move for an entry-level plumber to get solid, consistent experience under a reputable company. If you're a highly specialized expert looking for a cutting-edge, complex project every day, you might find the work limiting. But for a reliable, skilled plumber who wants a good life, Aberdeen is a hard city to beat.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find an apprenticeship in Aberdeen?
It can be competitive, but opportunities exist. The best approach is to apply directly to the local plumbing companies (All Seasons, Aberdeen Plumbing) and be persistent. The South Dakota Department of Labor also lists approved apprenticeship programs. Having a clean driving record and a willingness to start as a helper is key.

2. Do I need my own tools and vehicle?
Yes. For service work, you'll need a fully-stocked work vehicle. Most companies provide the truck, but you'll build your personal tool collection over time. For construction work, you'll need a basic set of hand tools. A valid driver's license is non-negotiable.

3. How do winters affect my work?
Aberdeen gets an average of 40+ inches of snow per year. This means two things: 1) More emergency calls for frozen pipes, boiler failures, and clogged drains. 2) Potential slowdowns for new construction projects. A good service plumber can make significant overtime in the winter, while a construction plumber might have slower periods.

4. Is there a union presence?
Yes, to a degree. The United Association (UA) Local 229 covers South Dakota, including Aberdeen. Union jobs are primarily with the hospital, school district, and some larger contractors. Wages and benefits are strong. However, many successful plumbers here are non-union. It's worth investigating, but not a requirement for a great career.

**5. What's the single biggest piece of