Business & Finance Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Economist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median economist salary in Brookings, SD is $97,988 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$97,988
vs State Avg
$-2,279
vs National
$-15,952
Cost of Living
86%

Economist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median economist salary of $97,988, which is $2,279 below the South Dakota state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $97,988 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Brookings spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $170,280 at the 90th percentile — a $116,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,100. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level economist earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,900
$-16,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,100
$-25,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $70,520
Median (50th) $97,988
75th Percentile $133,300
90th Percentile $170,280

Economist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$104,825
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$102,546
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$95,710
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$93,431
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Economist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist 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.

Find Economist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open economist positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Economist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median economist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $97,988 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,988, a economist in Brookings earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for economist pay? ▼
Brookings's median economist salary of $97,988 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $100,267. 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 economist salary of $97,988 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Brookings? ▼
Most economist positions in Brookings require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.