Creative & Education Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Chef Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median chef salary in Brookings, SD is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$48,607
vs State Avg
$-1,131
vs National
$-7,913
Cost of Living
86%

Chef Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $1,131 below the South Dakota state average of $49,738. Compared to the national median of $56,520, 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 $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Brookings spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $28,552
25th Percentile $36,292
Median (50th) $48,607
75th Percentile $64,500
90th Percentile $84,108

Chef Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,998
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$50,868
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$47,477
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$46,346
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Chef in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Brookings

Browse open chef positions in Brookings, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Brookings

How much does a Chef make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median chef salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $84,108 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,607, a chef in Brookings earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for chef pay? ▼
Brookings's median chef salary of $48,607 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $49,738. 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 chef salary of $48,607 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Brookings? ▼
Most chef positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.