Personal Care & Fitness Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Barber Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median barber salary in Brookings, SD is $30,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$30,736
vs State Avg
$-715
vs National
$-5,004
Cost of Living
86%

Barber Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median barber salary of $30,736, which is $715 below the South Dakota state average of $31,451. Compared to the national median of $35,740, 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 $30,736 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for barbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for barbers in Brookings spans from $19,780 at the 10th percentile to $53,320 at the 90th percentile — a $33,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,500, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Barber Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level barber earns around $21,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,820
$-5,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $19,780
25th Percentile $24,080
Median (50th) $30,736
75th Percentile $41,280
90th Percentile $53,320

Barber Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$32,881
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$32,166
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$30,022
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$29,307
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Barber in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

HaircuttingShavingClient ConsultationSanitationStylingBusiness Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in Brookings

Browse open barber positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Brookings

How much does a Barber make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median barber salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $30,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $19,780 (10th percentile) to $53,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,736, a barber in Brookings earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for barber pay? ▼
Brookings's median barber salary of $30,736 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $31,451. 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 barber salary of $30,736 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Brookings? ▼
Most barber positions in Brookings require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Haircutting, Shaving, Client Consultation, Sanitation. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.