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What is the average salary in Brookings, SD?

The average salary in Brookings, SD is $54,622 per year.

Exploring the job market in Brookings, SD, reveals a range of salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary is approximately $54,622. This figure includes a mix of wages from different sectors, ensuring job seekers can find competitive pay. With a diverse economy, Brookings offers opportunities for various skill levels and professional backgrounds.


The salary distribution in Brookings spans from lower to higher earnings, providing a wide array of choices. Key sectors contributing to these salaries include healthcare, education, and retail. Here are some key salary points:

  • Healthcare workers earn around $27,000
  • Educators make about $39,273
  • Retail employees receive approximately $51,545
  • Specialized roles can go up to $162,000
Brookings offers a solid salary range for different career paths.

View jobs in Brookings, SD

What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD?

In Brookings, SD, several jobs offer competitive salaries, making it a desirable place for job seekers. Registered Nurses lead the way with the highest average salary of $79,364. This role is critical in healthcare settings, offering a rewarding career path. Other top-paying jobs include Diesel Technicians, with an average salary of $74,679, and Licensed Practical Nurses at $70,601. General Managers earn around $54,259, and Maintenance Technicians average $46,934. These positions provide stable and lucrative career opportunities for those in Brookings. Job seekers will find a range of well-paid roles in this area, from healthcare to technical services.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $79,364 and Team Member with the lowest at $30,796.
  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,364
    Health professionals provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. Nurses work closely with doctors and other healthcare workers. Brookings has local hospitals and clinics that need skilled nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Diesel Technician
    Average Salary: $74,679
    Mechanics fix and maintain diesel engines. They work in auto repair shops and for transportation companies. Many businesses in Brookings rely on these professionals.
    Find Diesel Technician jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,601
    LPNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of doctors. They work in nursing homes and clinics. Brookings has many facilities that need LPNs.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Brookings, SD


  4. General Manager
    Average Salary: $54,259
    Managers oversee daily operations in businesses. They need to be organized and communicate well. Many local businesses in Brookings seek experienced managers.
    Find General Manager jobs in Brookings, SD


  5. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $46,934
    Technicians repair and maintain equipment. They work in factories and other businesses. Many local companies need skilled technicians.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Brookings, SD


  6. Construction Laborer
    Average Salary: $45,869
    Laborers help build and maintain structures. They work on construction sites and for building companies. Local construction projects need laborers.
    Find Construction Laborer jobs in Brookings, SD


  7. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $39,661
    Drivers transport goods to customers. They work for delivery services and retailers. Many businesses in Brookings need reliable drivers.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Brookings, SD


  8. Cook
    Average Salary: $36,536
    Cooks prepare meals in restaurants and cafeterias. They need to follow recipes and ensure food safety. Local restaurants and schools need cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in Brookings, SD


  9. Customer Service Representative
    Average Salary: $35,083
    Representatives assist customers with questions and problems. They work for various businesses. Many local companies seek friendly and helpful reps.
    Find Customer Service Representative jobs in Brookings, SD


  10. Team Member
    Average Salary: $30,796
    Team members help in stores and businesses. They need to be customer-focused. Many local shops need team members.
    Find Team Member jobs in Brookings, SD

What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD without a degree?

Job seekers in Brookings, SD, looking for high-paying roles without a college degree will find several good options. Restaurant managers lead with an average salary of $37,572, showing strong earning potential. Housekeeping staff, line cooks, baristas, servers, and dishwashers also offer competitive wages, making these roles attractive for those seeking to earn a good income with practical skills. These positions demand reliability and a strong work ethic, ensuring that individuals can build a steady career in a variety of settings. With experience, many of these roles offer opportunities for advancement and higher earnings. This variety in the job market provides solid options for those seeking to start or grow their careers without a formal degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $37,572 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $30,193.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $37,572
    Oversee the operations of a restaurant, ensuring a welcoming environment. Manage staff, handle customer concerns, and coordinate with local suppliers. Roles are available with establishments like Café Verve and Dakota Sioux Cafe.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $35,858
    Maintain clean and comfortable spaces in hotels and residential facilities. Perform tasks like cleaning rooms and common areas. Local hotels and inns offer roles for those interested in this profession.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,041
    Prepare meals in fast-paced kitchen environments. Work under pressure to meet high-quality standards. Opportunities are available at dining establishments like The Pizza Parlor and South Dakota Brewing Co.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Brookings, SD


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,879
    Craft coffee beverages and serve customers in a friendly and efficient manner. Develop a variety of drinks to delight coffee lovers. Positions open at local coffee shops such as The Cupboard and Artisan Roastery.
    Find Barista jobs in Brookings, SD


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $32,253
    Take orders, serve food, and ensure a great dining experience. Communicate well with kitchen staff to keep service smooth. Join the team at dining spots like The Little Diner and The Patio Restaurant.
    Find Server jobs in Brookings, SD


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,193
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Work diligently to ensure everything is ready for the next service. Opportunities exist in a variety of restaurants and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher 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 South Dakota Board of Regents leads the way, paying an average salary of $64,321. Avera Health and Brookings Health System also provide strong compensation, with average salaries of $57,505 and $52,912, respectively. These figures show that several companies in Brookings offer attractive salaries for various positions. Job seekers might find these companies to be excellent choices for financial stability and career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting South Dakota Board of Regents with the highest at $64,321 and Domino's with the lowest at $33,214.
  1. South Dakota Board of Regents
    Average Salary: $64,321
    A leader in education, offering opportunities in teaching, administration, and support roles.


  2. Avera Health
    Average Salary: $57,505
    A health care provider offering jobs in nursing, medicine, and support services.


  3. Brookings Health System
    Average Salary: $52,912
    A local health care organization with positions in medical care, administration, and support.


  4. Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd.
    Average Salary: $48,485
    A manufacturer of ventilation and heating systems with roles in production, engineering, and management.


  5. City of Brookings
    Average Salary: $47,346
    A local government offering jobs in public service, administration, and law enforcement.


  6. Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc.
    Average Salary: $43,748
    A non-profit supporting youth development with positions in education, administration, and recreation.


  7. Daktronics
    Average Salary: $42,710
    A company specializing in electronic displays with roles in engineering, production, and sales.


  8. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $37,355
    A service provider in food, facilities management, and more with positions in dining, custodial, and support roles.


  9. Domino's
    Average Salary: $33,214
    A well-known pizza chain offering positions in food preparation, delivery, and management.

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

Brookings, SD, presents a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Brookings is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average of 100. This means that residents in Brookings can expect to pay less for living expenses compared to the rest of the country. Specifically, housing stands out as the most affordable category, with an index of 83.
Cost of living comparison graph for Brookings, SD vs. Nationwide: housing 17% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 1% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Brookings, South Dakota, stands out with a cost of living index that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The city's housing costs, for instance, are about 17% below the national average, offering residents a more affordable living situation. This can significantly ease the financial burden for those relocating to Brookings, especially for those on a fixed budget.


Moreover, Brookings has grocery costs that are 5% below the national average, making it easier for residents to feed their families without stretching their budgets too thin. Utilities in Brookings are almost on par with the national average, slightly lower at just 1%. This indicates that maintaining a comfortable home environment doesn't require a significant financial outlay. Additionally, transportation costs in Brookings are 10% below the national average, which can be a significant saving for anyone relying on personal vehicles. These factors combined paint a picture of a city where living expenses are generally lower, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their monthly expenses while maintaining a reasonable quality of life.

There are 262 job openings in Brookings, SD, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Brookings, SD

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Brookings, SD
262 Job Openings