Science & Research Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Chemist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median chemist salary in Brookings, SD is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$71,199
vs State Avg
$-1,656
vs National
$-11,591
Cost of Living
86%

Chemist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median chemist salary of $71,199, which is $1,656 below the South Dakota state average of $72,855. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $71,199 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Brookings spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $122,120 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,100. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level chemist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,100
$-18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,320
Median (50th) $71,199
75th Percentile $93,740
90th Percentile $122,120

Chemist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,167
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$74,511
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$69,544
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$67,888
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Chemist in Brookings

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist 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 Chemist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open chemist positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Chemist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median chemist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $122,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,199, a chemist in Brookings earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for chemist pay? ▼
Brookings's median chemist salary of $71,199 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $72,855. 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 chemist salary of $71,199 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Brookings? ▼
Most chemist positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.