Aerospace Engineer Salary in Brookings, SD: $109,117 (2026)

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $109,117, which is $2,537 below the South Dakota state average of $111,654. Compared to the national median of $126,880, 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 $109,117 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $126,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for aerospace engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Brookings spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $165,120 at the 90th percentile — a $98,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,800, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,100. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $68,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$68,800

$-11,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$110,080

$-17,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$159,100

$-25,900 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$67,080	$68,640	$78,000
25th Percentile	$86,000	$88,000	$100,000
Median (50th)	$109,117	$111,654	$126,880
75th Percentile	$137,600	$140,800	$160,000
90th Percentile	$165,120	$168,960	$192,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$67,080

25th Percentile

$86,000

Median (50th)

$109,117

75th Percentile

$137,600

90th Percentile

$165,120

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median aerospace engineer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $109,117 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $165,120 (90th percentile).

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $109,117, a aerospace engineer in Brookings earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼

Brookings's median aerospace engineer salary of $109,117 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $111,654. 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 aerospace engineer salary of $109,117 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Brookings? ▼

Most aerospace engineer positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota