Media & Communications Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Copywriter Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median copywriter salary in Brookings, SD is $55,900 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$55,900
vs State Avg
$-1,300
vs National
$-9,100
Cost of Living
86%

Copywriter Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median copywriter salary of $55,900, which is $1,300 below the South Dakota state average of $57,200. Compared to the national median of $65,000, 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 $55,900 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for copywriters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for copywriters in Brookings spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $101,480 at the 90th percentile — a $70,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior copywriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,320. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Copywriter Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level copywriter earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,620
$-9,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,320
$-15,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $30,960
25th Percentile $41,280
Median (50th) $55,900
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $101,480

Copywriter Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Copywriter in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

CopywritingBrand VoiceSEOContent StrategyEditingCreative Thinking

Job Outlook

Nationally, copywriter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Copywriter Jobs in Brookings

Browse open copywriter positions in Brookings, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Copywriter Salary in Brookings

How much does a Copywriter make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median copywriter salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $55,900 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,000. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $101,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Copywriter make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,900, a copywriter in Brookings earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for copywriter pay? ▼
Brookings's median copywriter salary of $55,900 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $57,200. 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 copywriter salary of $55,900 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a copywriter in Brookings? ▼
Most copywriter positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Copywriting, Brand Voice, SEO, Content Strategy. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.