Trades & Labor Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Carpenter Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median carpenter salary in Brookings, SD is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$44,195
vs State Avg
$-1,028
vs National
$-7,195
Cost of Living
86%

Carpenter Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median carpenter salary of $44,195, which is $1,028 below the South Dakota state average of $45,223. Compared to the national median of $51,390, 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 $44,195 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Brookings spans from $29,584 at the 10th percentile to $70,692 at the 90th percentile — a $41,108 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Carpenter Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level carpenter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $29,584
25th Percentile $35,604
Median (50th) $44,195
75th Percentile $55,900
90th Percentile $70,692

Carpenter Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$47,279
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$46,251
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$43,168
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$42,140
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Carpenter in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Carpenter Jobs in Brookings

Browse open carpenter positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Brookings

How much does a Carpenter make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $29,584 (10th percentile) to $70,692 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,195, a carpenter in Brookings earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Brookings's median carpenter salary of $44,195 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $45,223. 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 carpenter salary of $44,195 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Brookings? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Framing, Blueprint Reading, Power Tools, Measurement. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.