Creative & Education Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

ESL Teacher Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median esl teacher salary in Brookings, SD is $48,160 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$48,160
vs State Avg
$-1,120
vs National
$-7,840
Cost of Living
86%

ESL Teacher Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median esl teacher salary of $48,160, which is $1,120 below the South Dakota state average of $49,280. Compared to the national median of $56,000, 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 $48,160 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for esl teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for esl teachers in Brookings spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $44,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,240. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

ESL Teacher Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,020
$-7,980 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,240
$-11,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $30,960
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $48,160
75th Percentile $61,920
90th Percentile $75,680

ESL Teacher Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,520
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$50,400
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$47,040
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$45,920
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Brookings

Browse open esl teacher positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Brookings

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $48,160 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,160, a esl teacher in Brookings earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Brookings's median esl teacher salary of $48,160 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $49,280. 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 esl teacher salary of $48,160 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Brookings? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include ESL Methods, Lesson Planning, Cultural Competency, Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.