Science & Research Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Environmental Scientist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median environmental scientist salary in Brookings, SD is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$65,816
vs State Avg
$-1,530
vs National
$-10,714
Cost of Living
86%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $50,740
Median (50th) $65,816
75th Percentile $85,140
90th Percentile $108,360

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist 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 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Brookings, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Brookings, SD?
The median environmental scientist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $108,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Brookings?
Based on the median annual salary of $65,816, a environmental scientist in Brookings earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for environmental scientist pay?
Brookings's median environmental scientist salary of $65,816 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $67,346. 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 environmental scientist salary of $65,816 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Brookings?
Most environmental scientist positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.