Education Administrator Salary in Brookings, SD: $87,892 (2026)

Education Administrator Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median education administrator salary of $87,892, which is $2,044 below the South Dakota state average of $89,936. Compared to the national median of $102,200, 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 $87,892 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $102,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for education administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for education administrators in Brookings spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $139,320 at the 90th percentile — a $86,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior education administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,300. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Education Administrator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level education administrator earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,300 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)

$89,440

$-14,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$133,300

$-21,700 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$53,320	$54,560	$62,000
25th Percentile	$67,080	$68,640	$78,000
Median (50th)	$87,892	$89,936	$102,200
75th Percentile	$113,520	$116,160	$132,000
90th Percentile	$139,320	$142,560	$162,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$53,320

25th Percentile

$67,080

Median (50th)

$87,892

75th Percentile

$113,520

90th Percentile

$139,320

How to Become a Education Administrator in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Educational LeadershipBudget ManagementPolicy DevelopmentStaff EvaluationAccreditationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, education administrator 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Education Administrator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Education Administrator make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median education administrator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $87,892 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $102,200. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $139,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a Education Administrator make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $87,892, a education administrator in Brookings earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median education administrator salary of $87,892 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $89,936. 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 education administrator salary of $87,892 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most education administrator positions in Brookings require a master's degree. Key skills include Educational Leadership, Budget Management, Policy Development, Staff Evaluation. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Education Administrator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota