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What is the average salary in Brookings, SD?

The average salary in Brookings, SD is $54,353 per year.

Salaries in Brookings, SD, offer competitive pay across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $54,353. This figure provides a solid benchmark for job seekers in the area. A variety of sectors contribute to this average, with salaries ranging widely to accommodate different skill levels and roles.


Here is a closer look at the salary distribution:

  • A small percentage of people earn around $27,000.
  • Some earn closer to $39,000.
  • A larger portion earns between $50,000 and $62,000.
  • Many earn between $73,000 and $85,000.
  • A few earn over $108,000.
Brookings, SD, provides opportunities for a wide range of incomes. Job seekers can find roles that match their skills and experience. This distribution shows potential for growth and advancement.

View jobs in Brookings, SD

What are the best paying jobs in Brookings, SD?

The top paying jobs in Brookings, SD, offer competitive salaries and a variety of roles. Registered Nurses earn an average of $79,693, providing excellent compensation for healthcare professionals. Diesel Technicians also enjoy a high salary of $74,679, reflecting the demand for skilled automotive experts. These positions show that Brookings offers attractive opportunities for those with specific skills and training. Job seekers will find that roles in healthcare and automotive repair consistently provide some of the best earnings in the area. Licensed Practical Nurses earn $70,382, while General Managers earn $53,472. These roles highlight the potential for good pay in both the medical field and business management. Other sectors, such as construction and maintenance, also offer solid incomes, making Brookings a promising place for diverse career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $79,693 and Customer Service Representative with the lowest at $35,531.
  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,693
    Registered Nurses (RNs) provide essential care in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Companies like Avera Health and Sanford Health offer many opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Diesel Technician
    Average Salary: $74,679
    Diesel Technicians repair and maintain vehicles with diesel engines. They work in auto shops and service centers. Companies like Casey's and local fleet services often hire them.
    Find Diesel Technician jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,382
    Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) offer basic medical care under the supervision of RNs and doctors. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Facilities like Avera McKennan Hospital hire LPNs regularly.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Brookings, SD


  4. General Manager
    Average Salary: $53,472
    General Managers oversee daily operations of businesses. They manage staff and ensure smooth operations. Restaurants and retail stores often hire them. Local businesses like McDonald's and local retail chains provide opportunities.
    Find General Manager jobs in Brookings, SD


  5. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $47,713
    Maintenance Technicians fix and maintain buildings and equipment. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Companies like Minn-Dak Farms and local property management firms offer jobs.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Brookings, SD


  6. Construction Laborer
    Average Salary: $46,004
    Construction Laborers help build and maintain structures. They perform various tasks under supervision. Local construction firms and general contractors hire laborers frequently.
    Find Construction Laborer jobs in Brookings, SD


  7. Intern
    Average Salary: $43,935
    Interns gain experience and learn about their chosen field. They often work in offices and gain valuable skills. Internships are available in various industries, from business to healthcare.
    Find Intern jobs in Brookings, SD


  8. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $39,602
    Delivery Drivers transport goods and packages. They drive vans and trucks to deliver items. Companies like FedEx and local businesses offer delivery jobs.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Brookings, SD


  9. Cook
    Average Salary: $36,214
    Cooks prepare meals in restaurants and institutions. They follow recipes and ensure food quality. Restaurants like S&J Pizza and local schools hire cooks.
    Find Cook jobs in Brookings, SD


  10. Customer Service Representative
    Average Salary: $35,531
    Customer Service Representatives help customers with inquiries and issues. They work in call centers and retail stores. Companies like Amazon and local businesses provide these roles.
    Find Customer Service Representative jobs in Brookings, SD

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

Finding a good-paying job in Brookings, SD, does not always require a college degree. Several roles in the city offer competitive salaries and valuable work experiences. For instance, positions like housekeeping, line cook, and barista are among the highest-paying jobs without a degree. These roles provide an excellent opportunity to earn a stable income while gaining valuable skills and experience. Job seekers in Brookings can expect to earn between $30,900 and $34,946 in these top roles. Housekeeping staff can make up to $34,946 annually, making it one of the best-paying jobs without a degree. Line cooks and baristas also offer salaries around $34,000. Servers and dishwashers, while lower in pay, still provide respectable earnings, with servers earning over $32,000. These jobs provide solid starting points for anyone looking to enter the workforce with a good income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Brookings, SD without a degree, highlighting Housekeeping with the highest at $34,946 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $30,900.
  1. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $34,946
    Housekeeping roles focus on cleaning and maintaining areas. These positions are available at hotels and residential properties. This job ensures a clean, welcoming environment.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Brookings, SD


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,477
    Line cooks prepare food quickly in busy kitchens. This role is common at restaurants and cafes. Cooks work closely with chefs to create delicious meals.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Brookings, SD


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,922
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other drinks. This position is available at coffee shops and cafes. Baristas interact with customers and make a variety of beverages.
    Find Barista jobs in Brookings, SD


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $32,248
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. This role is common at restaurants and cafes. Servers ensure a pleasant dining experience for guests.
    Find Server jobs in Brookings, SD


  5. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,900
    Dishwasher roles involve cleaning dishes and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. This job is available at restaurants and hotels. Dishwashers work quickly to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Brookings, SD

Which companies offer the top salaries in Brookings, SD?

Job seekers in Brookings, SD, can find strong earning potential with several local companies. The South Dakota Board of Regents tops the list with an average salary of $65,020, making it a highly attractive option for professionals. Avera Health follows closely, offering an average salary of $56,814, providing another excellent opportunity for skilled workers. Additionally, Brookings Health System, Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd., and the City of Brookings provide competitive salaries, ranging from $53,265 to $48,332. These companies present a range of sectors and roles that support higher earnings. Considering these options can help job seekers find a company that matches their skills and financial goals.
Graph displaying company salaries in Brookings, SD, highlighting South Dakota Board of Regents with the highest at $65,020 and Domino's with the lowest at $33,021.
  1. South Dakota Board of Regents
    Average Salary: $65,020
    The South Dakota Board of Regents oversees higher education in the state, supporting six public universities. This company offers a variety of positions in education, administration, and support.


  2. Avera Health
    Average Salary: $56,814
    Avera Health provides medical services and is one of the largest private employers in South Dakota. They offer jobs in healthcare, from doctors to administrative roles.


  3. Brookings Health System
    Average Salary: $53,265
    Brookings Health System is a leading healthcare provider in the region. They offer a wide range of medical positions, including nursing and administrative roles.


  4. Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd.
    Average Salary: $48,332
    This company manufactures and distributes fans for commercial and industrial use. They offer positions in engineering, production, and management.


  5. City Of Brookings
    Average Salary: $47,451
    The City Of Brookings provides essential services to the community. They have roles in public safety, administration, and maintenance.


  6. Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc.
    Average Salary: $43,922
    This organization supports youth development and offers positions in education, recreation, and program management.


  7. Daktronics
    Average Salary: $42,618
    Daktronics designs and manufactures electronic displays for sports and entertainment. They offer jobs in electronics, engineering, and sales.


  8. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $38,605
    Sodexo provides food services and facilities management. They offer positions in hospitality, catering, and administrative support.


  9. Domino's
    Average Salary: $33,021
    Domino's is a well-known pizza chain offering jobs in pizza preparation, customer service, and delivery.

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

Brookings, SD, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. According to the graph, Brookings' overall cost of living index stands at 87, indicating it is 13% less expensive. This makes Brookings an attractive option for job seekers looking for a more affordable living environment while maintaining proximity to the amenities and lifestyle they desire.
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, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Brookings stand at 75, indicating that residents pay 25% less than the national average. This is a significant advantage for those looking to save on housing expenses. Additionally, groceries cost 95 in Brookings, meaning they are 5% cheaper than the national average.


Utilities in Brookings are priced at 90, which represents a 10% lower cost compared to the national average. Transportation costs are also favorable, with a rate of 85, reflecting a 15% reduction. Healthcare costs remain consistent with the national average, showing no difference at 100. However, miscellaneous expenses in Brookings are 80, which is 20% lower than the nationwide average. Overall, Brookings presents several areas where job seekers can experience savings, making it an attractive location for those seeking to manage their living costs effectively.

There are 221 job openings in Brookings, SD, today!

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

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City
Overview
Brookings, SD
221 Job Openings