Dispatcher Salary in Brookings, SD: $40,231 (2026)

Dispatcher Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median dispatcher salary of $40,231, which is $935 below the South Dakota state average of $41,166. Compared to the national median of $46,780, 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 $40,231 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,780 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for dispatchers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dispatchers in Brookings spans from $26,660 at the 10th percentile to $60,200 at the 90th percentile — a $33,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,380, while senior dispatchers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,760. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dispatcher Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level dispatcher earns around $28,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,380

$-4,620 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$56,760

$-9,240 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$26,660	$27,280	$31,000
25th Percentile	$31,820	$32,560	$37,000
Median (50th)	$40,231	$41,166	$46,780
75th Percentile	$49,880	$51,040	$58,000
90th Percentile	$60,200	$61,600	$70,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$26,660

25th Percentile

$31,820

Median (50th)

$40,231

75th Percentile

$49,880

90th Percentile

$60,200

How to Become a Dispatcher in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Radio CommunicationCAD SystemsMulti-taskingStress ManagementGeographyTyping

Job Outlook

Nationally, dispatcher employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dispatcher Salary in Brookings

How much does a Dispatcher make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median dispatcher salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $40,231 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $46,780. Salaries range from $26,660 (10th percentile) to $60,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dispatcher make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,231, a dispatcher in Brookings earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for dispatcher pay? ▼

Brookings's median dispatcher salary of $40,231 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $41,166. 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 dispatcher salary of $40,231 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dispatcher in Brookings? ▼

Most dispatcher positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Radio Communication, CAD Systems, Multi-tasking, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Dispatcher Salary in Brookings, South Dakota