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.
Environmental Scientist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)
Brookings offers a median environmental scientist salary of $65,816, which is $1,530 below the South Dakota state average of $67,346. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $65,816 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for environmental scientists in Brookings spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $108,360 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
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.
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
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: