What is the average salary in Brookings, SD?
In Brookings, SD, the average yearly salary stands at $54,107. This figure reflects the earnings across various industries and positions. Salaries range from $27,460 to $171,500. The distribution of these salaries shows a mix of lower, middle, and higher income brackets.
The most common salary range is between $27,460 and $40,555. This range covers a significant portion of the workforce. Higher salaries, from $119,122 to $171,500, are less common but still present. This variety offers opportunities for different career levels and experiences.
What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD?

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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $76,963
Registered nurses provide care in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Brookings has several hospitals and clinics where they are needed.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $64,288
LPNs offer basic medical care under supervision. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Many healthcare facilities in Brookings need LPNs.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $49,495
General managers oversee daily operations in businesses. They manage staff and ensure smooth operations. Many local businesses in Brookings need skilled managers.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $46,861
Maintenance technicians fix and maintain equipment. They work in various industries, including manufacturing and hospitality. Many companies in Brookings need their skills.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $44,946
Restaurant managers run daily operations in eateries. They manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Many local restaurants in Brookings need experienced managers.
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Construction Laborer
Average Salary: $44,824
Construction laborers help build structures. They work with skilled tradespeople on various projects. Many construction firms in Brookings need laborers.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $42,050
Delivery drivers transport goods to customers. They work for companies that deliver food, packages, and more. Many local businesses in Brookings need delivery drivers.
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Cleaner
Average Salary: $39,036
Cleaners maintain cleanliness in buildings. They work in offices, homes, and public spaces. Many businesses and residents in Brookings need cleaning services.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $37,980
Retail sales associates help customers find products. They work in stores and assist with sales. Many local retailers in Brookings need sales associates.
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Customer Service Representative
Average Salary: $34,358
Customer service reps handle inquiries and complaints. They work for various companies, helping customers with their needs. Many businesses in Brookings need skilled representatives.
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What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD without a degree?

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Landscaper
Average Salary: $42,380
Landscapers work on outdoor spaces, creating and maintaining gardens and lawns. They often work with local businesses and homeowners. They use tools and machinery to shape and plant gardens.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $41,495
Irrigation technicians install and maintain water systems for gardens and lawns. They work with local landscaping companies and homeowners. They ensure that plants and grass receive the right amount of water.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $38,697
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations at dining establishments. They work with kitchen staff and servers to ensure smooth service. They handle customer complaints and manage staff schedules.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $34,211
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. They work with front desk staff to ensure rooms are ready for guests. They use cleaning supplies and equipment to keep rooms tidy.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,640
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. They work with kitchen staff to ensure timely service. They handle payments and provide excellent customer service.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $31,323
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food in restaurants. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. They follow recipes and ensure food quality and safety standards.
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Barista
Average Salary: $31,038
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages in cafes. They work with customers to create custom drinks. They use coffee machines and maintain a clean work area.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $30,332
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment in restaurants. They work in a busy kitchen environment. They ensure that all items are clean and ready for use.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $30,311
Kitchen team members assist in food preparation and cooking. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. They follow recipes and ensure food quality and safety standards.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $29,265
Server assistants help servers take orders and serve food and drinks. They work in a fast-paced restaurant environment. They ensure that customers have a pleasant dining experience.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Brookings, SD?

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Interim HealthCare
Average Salary: $61,596
Interim HealthCare offers home care, hospice, and healthcare staffing. They focus on providing quality care to patients in their homes.
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South Dakota Board of Regents
Average Salary: $59,339
The South Dakota Board of Regents oversees the state's six public universities. They work to ensure high-quality education and research opportunities.
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Avera Health
Average Salary: $56,793
Avera Health is a not-for-profit Catholic health system. They provide healthcare services across multiple states, focusing on patient care and community health.
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Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd.
Average Salary: $56,275
Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd. manufactures industrial fans and blowers. They serve a wide range of industries with their high-quality products.
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Brookings Health System
Average Salary: $51,608
Brookings Health System offers a variety of healthcare services. They aim to provide comprehensive care to the local community.
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Sanford Health
Average Salary: $49,764
Sanford Health is one of the largest rural health systems in the United States. They provide medical care to patients across multiple states.
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South Dakota State University
Average Salary: $48,166
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of academic programs. They focus on providing quality education and research opportunities.
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City of Brookings
Average Salary: $46,053
The City of Brookings provides various municipal services. They work to maintain the city's infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents.
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Quality Tool
Average Salary: $43,620
Quality Tool manufactures and distributes industrial tools. They are known for their high-quality products and customer service.
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Falcon Plastics
Average Salary: $41,630
Falcon Plastics produces plastic products for various industries. They focus on delivering quality products and excellent customer service.
How does the cost of living in Brookings, SD compare to the national average?

Brookings, South Dakota, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Brookings stands at 90, which is 10% below the national average of 100. This lower cost is largely due to the housing index, which is 88. This means housing costs in Brookings are 12% less than the national average.
Additionally, the groceries index in Brookings is 92, indicating that food expenses are 8% below the national average. Transportation costs are also slightly lower, with an index of 95, meaning they are 5% less than the national average. While utilities in Brookings match the national average at 100, healthcare costs are 10% lower, with an index of 90. This makes Brookings a more affordable place for many essential expenses.