Overview Salaries

Salaries in Brookings, SD

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Brookings, SD?

The average salary in Brookings, SD is $55,343 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $55,343 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $4,612 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $1,064 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Brookings, SD, showing an average salary of $27 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Brookings, SD, have various salary options based on different sectors. The average yearly salary stands at 55,343 dollars, offering a respectable income level. This diversity in earnings reflects the broad opportunities available in the area.


Key industries and their average salaries include:

  • Business: 27,500 dollars
  • Education: 41,591 dollars
  • Healthcare: 55,682 dollars
  • Retail: 69,773 dollars
  • Manufacturing: 83,864 dollars
  • Information Technology: 97,955 dollars
  • Finance: 112,045 dollars
  • Professional Services: 126,136 dollars
  • Science and Engineering: 140,227 dollars
  • Arts and Design: 154,318 dollars
  • Architecture: 168,409 dollars
  • Legal: 182,500 dollars
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What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD?

Job seekers in Brookings, SD, will find attractive opportunities in various fields. Registered nurses earn the highest average salary at $78,725 annually. Diesel technicians also secure a strong position with an average of $71,192 per year. These top-paying jobs offer stability and competitive wages. Licensed practical nurses, general managers, and maintenance technicians also enjoy good salaries, ranging from $67,354 to $54,343 annually. Other roles like construction laborers, delivery drivers, and retail sales associates provide solid income with salaries between $45,693 and $38,269. These options highlight a range of careers that balance good pay with diverse job functions in Brookings.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $78,725 and Customer Service Representative with the lowest at $34,262.

  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,725
    Care for patients at hospitals and clinics. Work alongside doctors and other healthcare staff. Opportunities with Avera McKennan Hospital and Sanford Health.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Diesel Technician
    Average Salary: $71,192
    Diagnose and repair issues with diesel engines. Perform maintenance and inspections. Companies such as Pilot Flying J and Casey’s offer jobs.
    Find Diesel Technician jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $67,354
    Provide basic patient care in hospitals, clinics, and private homes. Work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. Look for opportunities with Avera McKennan Hospital and Sanford Health.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Brookings, SD


  4. General Manager
    Average Salary: $54,343
    Oversee the daily operations of businesses. Manage staff, budgets, and ensure customer satisfaction. Companies like Hy-Vee and Scheels have management positions.
    Find General Manager jobs in Brookings, SD


  5. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $47,267
    Maintain and repair buildings, equipment, and machinery. Ensure facilities are safe and functional. Work in schools, offices, or manufacturing plants.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Brookings, SD


  6. Construction Laborer
    Average Salary: $45,693
    Help with construction projects. Assist skilled tradespeople. Work with companies like Northern Tool and Excel Construction.
    Find Construction Laborer jobs in Brookings, SD


  7. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $41,750
    Deliver goods to customers. Drive routes and ensure timely deliveries. Companies such as Amazon and FedEx offer driving jobs.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Brookings, SD


  8. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $38,269
    Help customers find products. Work in stores like Scheels and Walmart. Provide excellent customer service and assist with sales transactions.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Brookings, SD


  9. Cook
    Average Salary: $36,528
    Prepare meals in restaurants, schools, and hospitals. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Opportunities with Avera McKennan Hospital and local restaurants.
    Find Cook jobs in Brookings, SD


  10. Customer Service Representative
    Average Salary: $34,262
    Assist customers with inquiries and complaints. Work in call centers or retail stores. Companies like Avera McKennan Hospital and local businesses have openings.
    Find Customer Service Representative jobs in Brookings, SD

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

Job seekers in Brookings, SD, can find good opportunities in several fields without needing a college degree. Restaurant managers earn an average salary of around $39,122, offering a chance to lead and manage a team. Housekeeping staff and line cooks also bring in solid incomes, with average salaries of $35,100 and $33,557, respectively. These roles provide stable work and a chance to gain valuable experience. Other well-paying positions include baristas, servers, and dishwashers, each offering competitive salaries and the chance to work in a fast-paced environment. Baristas earn about $33,200, while servers and dishwashers make around $33,000 and $30,680, respectively. These jobs are ideal for those seeking a good balance of work and earning potential without the need for a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $39,122 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $30,679.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $39,122
    Manage the daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth business operations. Experience with local eateries can be beneficial.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $35,097
    Maintain cleanliness in various settings. Clean rooms, handle linens, and ensure a pleasant environment. Ideal for those who enjoy routine tasks and attention to detail.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,557
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced environment. Work closely with chefs to create delicious dishes. Experience in local restaurants is highly valued.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Brookings, SD


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $33,195
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers to take orders and ensure customer satisfaction. Skill in making quality coffee drinks is essential.
    Find Barista jobs in Brookings, SD


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $33,008
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Experience in local eateries is beneficial.
    Find Server jobs in Brookings, SD


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,679
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure cleanliness and order in the kitchen. Attention to detail is crucial for this role.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Brookings, SD

Which companies offer the top salaries in Brookings, SD?

Interim HealthCare stands out as the highest-paying company in Brookings, SD, offering an average salary of $63,430. This prominent healthcare provider consistently supports its employees with competitive compensation. Another notable employer is the South Dakota Board of Regents, with an average salary of $62,001. This educational institution values its staff, providing salaries that reflect their important contributions. Avera Health, Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd., and Brookings Health System also rank high among employers with average salaries above $50,000. These companies value their employees' roles and efforts, offering attractive compensation packages. Choices like South Dakota State University, the City of Brookings, and Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc. provide average salaries between $48,926 and $45,234. These organizations offer stable and rewarding positions for job seekers looking for a good balance of compensation and benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting Interim HealthCare with the highest at $63,430 and Sodexo with the lowest at $36,658.

  1. Interim HealthCare
    Average Salary: $63,430
    Interim HealthCare provides home care, hospice, and community-based health services. They support patients and families in their homes, which requires dedication and expertise.


  2. South Dakota Board of Regents
    Average Salary: $62,001
    The South Dakota Board of Regents oversees higher education institutions in the state. They focus on quality education and institutional support.


  3. Avera Health
    Average Salary: $57,223
    Avera Health offers healthcare services in various locations. They aim to improve patients’ health and well-being through comprehensive care.


  4. Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd.
    Average Salary: $52,778
    Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd. manufactures and distributes fans and heating equipment. They play a key role in providing solutions for comfort and efficiency.


  5. Brookings Health System
    Average Salary: $52,562
    Brookings Health System offers a wide range of medical services to the community. They prioritize patient care and health improvement.


  6. South Dakota State University
    Average Salary: $48,926
    South Dakota State University provides higher education and research opportunities. They focus on academic excellence and student success.


  7. City of Brookings
    Average Salary: $45,234
    The City of Brookings manages local government services and infrastructure. They work to ensure a high quality of life for residents.


  8. Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc.
    Average Salary: $41,740
    Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc. offers programs for youth development. They support children and teens through various activities and resources.


  9. Daktronics
    Average Salary: $41,277
    Daktronics creates electronic displays and systems. They innovate technology for better visual experiences in entertainment and sports.


  10. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $36,658
    Sodexo provides food services and facilities management. They focus on delivering quality and convenient food and support services.

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

Brookings, SD, boasts a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average of 100. With an overall cost of living index of 86, Brookings provides a more affordable lifestyle across various sectors. This reduction includes 25% lower housing costs, 5% lower utility expenses, and 20% less in miscellaneous costs. This makes Brookings an attractive option for job seekers looking for a more budget-friendly place to live while maintaining a quality of life.
Cost of living comparison graph for Brookings, SD vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 20% lower.

Brookings, South Dakota, shows a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The housing index in Brookings stands at 75, which means housing costs are 25% lower than the national average. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to own or rent a home with a more affordable budget. People will find that saving money on housing is a significant benefit in this city.


In terms of other daily expenses, Brookings also compares favorably to the average. Groceries cost 95% of the national average, suggesting that food prices are nearly on par with what most Americans pay. Utilities, which include electricity, gas, and water, are priced at 90% of the national average, indicating that these essentials are also relatively affordable. Transportation costs are slightly lower at 85%, which could mean saving on public transport or fuel. Overall, Brookings offers a cost of living that is beneficial for those seeking to manage their expenses while maintaining a good quality of life.

There are 384 job openings in Brookings, SD, today!

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Discover what it's like to work in Brookings, SD. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Brookings, SD
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