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What is the average salary in Brookings, SD?

The average salary in Brookings, SD is $56,283 per year.

Brookings, South Dakota, provides a variety of job opportunities across multiple sectors. The average yearly salary in Brookings stands at $56,283, offering a solid income base for many residents. This figure reflects the diversity of industries, from healthcare and education to retail and manufacturing, providing a broad range of salaries to suit different skill levels and experiences.

The salary distribution in Brookings shows a balanced spread across different income brackets. The largest percentage, 38.55%, falls within the $27,500 to $43,182 range. This range indicates that many jobs in Brookings offer competitive entry-level and mid-level salaries. For those with more experience, the higher brackets offer substantial increases, with the top 1% earning over $184,318 annually. This distribution suggests that career growth and advancement are available to those willing to invest time and effort.

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What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD?

Top-paying jobs in Brookings, SD, include registered nurses and diesel technicians. These positions offer competitive salaries and good benefits. For registered nurses, the average salary is about $78,459, while diesel technicians earn around $71,314. These jobs attract those looking for stable income and valuable experience. Another high-paying job is that of a licensed practical nurse, with an average salary of $66,425. Other roles like general manager, maintenance technician, and construction laborer also provide strong earnings. General managers earn about $53,521, maintenance technicians around $46,412, and construction laborers approximately $45,492. These careers offer good opportunities for those seeking well-paying work.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $78,459 and Customer Service Representative with the lowest at $34,220.
  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,459
    Provide essential care to patients. Work in hospitals and clinics, including Avera McKennan Hospital. Ensure patients receive medical attention. Handle various medical tasks with care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Diesel Technician
    Average Salary: $71,314
    Diagnose and repair diesel engines. Serve in automotive shops and service centers like Brookings Equipment Company. Fix and maintain heavy machinery. Use specialized tools for accurate repairs.
    Find Diesel Technician jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $66,425
    Provide basic nursing care. Work in facilities such as Sanford Health. Assist patients with daily activities. Monitor vital signs and report to doctors.
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  4. General Manager
    Average Salary: $53,521
    Oversee operations in businesses. Manage retail stores and restaurants. Ensure smooth daily operations. Handle staff and customer issues effectively.
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  5. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $46,412
    Perform repairs and maintenance. Work in residential or commercial properties. Ensure all equipment works well. Respond to maintenance requests promptly.
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  6. Construction Laborer
    Average Salary: $45,492
    Assist skilled tradespeople. Work on building sites under supervision. Handle materials and tools. Follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
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  7. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $43,034
    Deliver goods and packages. Work for companies like FedEx or UPS. Ensure timely deliveries. Follow routes and schedules accurately.
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  8. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $38,225
    Assist customers in stores. Work in places like Walmart or local retailers. Provide product information and handle transactions. Promote sales and assist with inventory.
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  9. Cook
    Average Salary: $36,298
    Prepare meals in restaurants or cafeterias. Work in local dining spots. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
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  10. Customer Service Representative
    Average Salary: $34,220
    Help customers over the phone or in person. Work for companies offering customer support. Resolve issues and answer questions. Maintain a friendly and professional demeanor.
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What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD without a degree?

Brookings, South Dakota, offers several well-paying jobs that do not need a college degree. Restaurant managers earn an average of $39,011, providing a lucrative opportunity for those skilled in supervision and customer service. Additionally, roles like housekeeping staff and server positions pay around $34,938 and $33,235, respectively, offering stable income with less educational requirements. These positions provide a chance for immediate employment and career growth. Line cooks and baristas, earning around $32,941 and $32,786, offer opportunities in the food service industry. Server assistants, dishwashers, and kitchen team members also provide solid earnings. These jobs cater to those who prefer a hands-on work environment and value financial stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $39,011 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $30,718.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $39,011
    Manage a team of servers and kitchen staff. Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in top local eateries like Blue Heron Restaurant.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $34,938
    Clean rooms and common areas in hotels. Pay attention to details for a pleasant guest experience. Job opportunities include local hotels like the Quality Inn.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Server
    Average Salary: $33,235
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and provide recommendations. Work in busy places like Golden Corral or local diners.
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  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $32,941
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals. Work in a fast-paced environment. Opportunities exist in local restaurants like McDonald's or The Cozy Corner Cafe.
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  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,786
    Make coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a smile. Work in coffee shops such as The Brookings Coffee House.
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  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $31,785
    Help servers with tables and guests. Ensure the dining area is clean and stocked. Opportunities include local diners and casual eateries.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Brookings, SD


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,878
    Wash dishes, utensils, and pots. Keep the kitchen clean and organized. Work in busy restaurants such as local diners and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Brookings, SD


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $30,718
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work well in a busy kitchen environment. Opportunities can be found in local cafes and family restaurants.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Brookings, SD

Which companies offer the top salaries in Brookings, SD?

Brookings, SD, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The best-paying companies include Interim HealthCare, South Dakota Board of Regents, and Avera Health. These companies provide higher average salaries, making them attractive options for job seekers in the area. Interim HealthCare leads with an average salary of $63,209, followed by the South Dakota Board of Regents at $61,652. Avera Health offers an average salary of $57,673. These figures highlight the higher earning potential in certain sectors within Brookings. Job seekers can explore these companies for rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting Interim HealthCare with the highest at $63,209 and Daktronics with the lowest at $40,372.
  1. Interim HealthCare
    Average Salary: $63,209
    Interim HealthCare offers home health, hospice, and other care services. They focus on providing personalized care to patients in Brookings.


  2. South Dakota Board of Regents
    Average Salary: $61,652
    The Board of Regents oversees higher education in South Dakota. They work to improve and support the state's universities and colleges.


  3. Avera Health
    Average Salary: $57,673
    Avera Health is a large healthcare provider offering a wide range of services. They have hospitals and clinics throughout the region.


  4. Brookings Health System
    Average Salary: $52,352
    Brookings Health System provides medical care to the local community. They have a hospital, clinics, and specialized care units.


  5. Sanford Health
    Average Salary: $50,019
    Sanford Health is a large healthcare organization. They deliver comprehensive medical services and support to patients.


  6. South Dakota State University
    Average Salary: $48,621
    South Dakota State University is a higher education institution. They offer a variety of degree programs and research opportunities.


  7. City of Brookings
    Average Salary: $45,994
    The City of Brookings provides municipal services to residents. They manage local government operations and public safety.


  8. Quality Tool
    Average Salary: $43,218
    Quality Tool manufactures tools and equipment. They serve the needs of businesses and individuals in the region.


  9. Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc.
    Average Salary: $41,117
    This organization supports youth development. They offer programs and activities for children and teens to help them grow and succeed.


  10. Daktronics
    Average Salary: $40,372
    Daktronics makes electronic displays and visual solutions. They serve a wide range of clients, from sports venues to businesses.

How does the cost of living in Brookings, SD compare to the national average?

Brookings, SD, shows a cost of living below the nationwide average of 100. The overall cost of living index in Brookings stands at 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. This includes lower housing costs at 85, though groceries are slightly above at 95. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also average below the national index. This makes Brookings a potentially more affordable place to live compared to the country as a whole.
Cost of living comparison graph for Brookings, SD vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 12% lower, miscellaneous 20% lower.

Brookings, South Dakota, showcases a cost of living index that compares favorably to the nationwide average of 100. Among the key metrics, housing stands out with an index of 85, indicating that residents can find housing costs to be 15% lower than the national average. This represents a significant saving for those considering a move to Brookings. Additionally, the groceries index of 95 suggests that grocery expenses are nearly on par with the national average, providing little variation in this essential category.


Further examining other costs, utilities in Brookings are priced at an index of 90, representing a modest 10% decrease compared to the national average. The transportation index is slightly above the average at 92, meaning costs are 2% higher. Healthcare costs, at an index of 88, show a 12% reduction from the national average, which can be a considerable advantage for residents. Lastly, miscellaneous expenses are 20% lower than the national average, with an index of 80, offering another area of potential savings for those living in Brookings. Overall, Brookings presents a competitive cost of living with multiple categories below the national average.

There are 271 job openings in Brookings, SD, today!

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Brookings, SD
271 Job Openings