Medical Assistant Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $42,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $42,297/year (≈ $20.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $45,579 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Aberdeen, South Dakota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $42,297, representing an 11.81% lower figure than the national median of $47,961. The salary range for this role spans from $34,893 at the 10th percentile to $52,585 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience, certification, and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions that affect local wages. As the healthcare sector grows and diversifies, opportunities for medical assistants, particularly those seeking to bridge to LPN or RN roles, can enhance both earning potential and job security in Aberdeen's evolving healthcare landscape.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,893 | $16.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,199 | $17.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,297 | $20.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,654 | $21.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,585 | $25.28 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,692 (2026 est.). At $42,297, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $42,297/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $44,523 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -11.81% less |
Medical Assistants in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $42,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $44,523.
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 medical assistant earning $42,297 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,579 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,690
2025 BLS Actual
$40,294
2026 Current Est.
$42,297
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,512 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,399 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $30,690 (2019) to $40,294 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,399 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,709 (44.67%) 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 4.97% 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) | $34,893 – $36,199 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,199 – $42,297 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,297 – $45,654 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,654 – $52,585 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Aberdeen
The job market for medical assistants in Aberdeen remains relatively small, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, workers may find their salaries stretch further than in many other regions. Employers in Aberdeen's healthcare scene, such as primary care clinics and outpatient facilities, tend to offer competitive wages, though specialists in fields like dermatology or orthopedics may provide premium pay. Factors influencing the disparity in compensation include the level of specialty practice, bilingualism—especially in Spanish or Mandarin—and additional skills such as phlebotomy or EKG certification. To maximize earning potential, aspiring medical assistants should consider obtaining relevant certifications and seeking opportunities in high-demand specialties, enabling them to take advantage of Aberdeen's growing healthcare job market.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
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 $40,294 for medical assistantsin the Aberdeen metropolitan area. A 4.97% 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 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov