Business & Finance Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Accountant Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median accountant salary in Brookings, SD is $68,697 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$68,697
vs State Avg
$-1,597
vs National
$-11,183
Cost of Living
86%

Accountant Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median accountant salary of $68,697, which is $1,597 below the South Dakota state average of $70,294. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $68,697 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Brookings spans from $43,344 at the 10th percentile to $114,208 at the 90th percentile — a $70,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,720, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Accountant Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level accountant earns around $44,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $43,344
25th Percentile $53,922
Median (50th) $68,697
75th Percentile $88,064
90th Percentile $114,208

Accountant Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$73,490
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$71,892
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$67,099
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$65,502
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Accountant in Brookings

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Brookings

Browse open accountant positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Brookings

How much does a Accountant make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median accountant salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $68,697 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $43,344 (10th percentile) to $114,208 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,697, a accountant in Brookings earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for accountant pay? ▼
Brookings's median accountant salary of $68,697 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $70,294. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼
Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $68,697 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Brookings? ▼
Most accountant positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.