Automotive & Maintenance Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Brookings, SD is $56,373 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$56,373
vs State Avg
$-1,311
vs National
$-9,177
Cost of Living
86%

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $56,373, which is $1,311 below the South Dakota state average of $57,684. Compared to the national median of $65,550, 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 $56,373 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,550 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for aircraft mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in Brookings spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $86,860 at the 90th percentile — a $50,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,560. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,620
$-9,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,560
$-13,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $44,720
Median (50th) $56,373
75th Percentile $72,240
90th Percentile $86,860

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Brookings

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic 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.

Find Aircraft Mechanic Jobs in Brookings

Browse open aircraft mechanic positions in Brookings, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Brookings

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median aircraft mechanic salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $56,373 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $86,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,373, a aircraft mechanic in Brookings earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼
Brookings's median aircraft mechanic salary of $56,373 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $57,684. 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 aircraft mechanic salary of $56,373 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Brookings? ▼
Most aircraft mechanic positions in Brookings require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.