Environmental Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota
The median environmental engineer salary in Brookings, SD is $83,265 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.
Environmental Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)
Brookings offers a median environmental engineer salary of $83,265, which is $1,937 below the South Dakota state average of $85,202. Compared to the national median of $96,820, 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 $83,265 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,820 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for environmental engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for environmental engineers in Brookings spans from $52,460 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $74,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,120. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Environmental Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience
In Brookings, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD
| Percentile | Brookings |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,360 |
| Median (50th) | $83,265 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $127,280 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Brookings
Education
Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, environmental engineer 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 Environmental Engineer Jobs in Brookings
Browse open environmental engineer positions in Brookings, SD: