Chemical Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota
The median chemical engineer salary in Brookings, SD is $91,384 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.
Chemical Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)
Brookings offers a median chemical engineer salary of $91,384, which is $2,125 below the South Dakota state average of $93,509. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 $91,384 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chemical engineers in Brookings spans from $58,480 at the 10th percentile to $147,920 at the 90th percentile — a $89,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,200, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,320. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chemical Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience
In Brookings, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $60,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD
| Percentile | Brookings |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $58,480 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,240 |
| Median (50th) | $91,384 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,920 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Brookings
Education
Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Brookings
Browse open chemical engineer positions in Brookings, SD: