What is the average salary in Brookings, SD?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD?

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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.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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?

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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.
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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.
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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Brookings, SD?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sanford Health
Average Salary: $50,019
Sanford Health is a large healthcare organization. They deliver comprehensive medical services and support to patients.
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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.
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City of Brookings
Average Salary: $45,994
The City of Brookings provides municipal services to residents. They manage local government operations and public safety.
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Quality Tool
Average Salary: $43,218
Quality Tool manufactures tools and equipment. They serve the needs of businesses and individuals in the region.
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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.
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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, 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.



