Personal Care & Fitness Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Cosmetologist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median cosmetologist salary in Brookings, SD is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$30,169
vs State Avg
$-701
vs National
$-4,911
Cost of Living
86%

Cosmetologist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,169, which is $701 below the South Dakota state average of $30,870. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $30,169 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Brookings spans from $18,920 at the 10th percentile to $49,880 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,640, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,300. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $18,920
25th Percentile $23,220
Median (50th) $30,169
75th Percentile $39,560
90th Percentile $49,880

Cosmetologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$32,274
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$31,572
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$29,467
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$28,766
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Brookings

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,920 (10th percentile) to $49,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,169, a cosmetologist in Brookings earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Brookings's median cosmetologist salary of $30,169 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $30,870. 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 cosmetologist salary of $30,169 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Brookings? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Brookings require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.