Building Inspector Salary in Brookings, SD: $54,782 (2026)

Building Inspector Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median building inspector salary of $54,782, which is $1,274 below the South Dakota state average of $56,056. Compared to the national median of $63,700, 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 $54,782 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for building inspectors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for building inspectors in Brookings spans from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $53,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Building Inspector Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level building inspector earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,120

$-5,880 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$34,400	$35,200	$40,000
25th Percentile	$43,000	$44,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$54,782	$56,056	$63,700
75th Percentile	$70,520	$72,160	$82,000
90th Percentile	$87,720	$89,760	$102,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$34,400

25th Percentile

$43,000

Median (50th)

$54,782

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$87,720

How to Become a Building Inspector in Brookings

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, building inspector 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Brookings

How much does a Building Inspector make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median building inspector salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $54,782 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $34,400 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).

How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,782, a building inspector in Brookings earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for building inspector pay? ▼

Brookings's median building inspector salary of $54,782 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $56,056. 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 building inspector salary of $54,782 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Brookings? ▼

Most building inspector positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Building Codes, Inspection Techniques, Blueprint Reading, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Building Inspector Salary in Brookings, South Dakota