Construction & Real Estate Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Architect Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median architect salary in Brookings, SD is $71,242 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$71,242
vs State Avg
$-1,657
vs National
$-11,598
Cost of Living
86%

Architect Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median architect salary of $71,242, which is $1,657 below the South Dakota state average of $72,899. Compared to the national median of $82,840, 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 $71,242 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Brookings spans from $43,000 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $84,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,720, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,400. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Architect Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level architect earns around $44,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 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)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $43,000
25th Percentile $55,040
Median (50th) $71,242
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Architect Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,213
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$74,556
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$69,586
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$67,929
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Architect in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Brookings

Browse open architect positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Brookings

How much does a Architect make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median architect salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $71,242 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $43,000 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,242, a architect in Brookings earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for architect pay? ▼
Brookings's median architect salary of $71,242 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $72,899. 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 architect salary of $71,242 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Brookings? ▼
Most architect positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.