Personal Care & Fitness Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Esthetician Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median esthetician salary in Brookings, SD is $32,852 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$32,852
vs State Avg
$-764
vs National
$-5,348
Cost of Living
86%

Esthetician Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median esthetician salary of $32,852, which is $764 below the South Dakota state average of $33,616. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 $32,852 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for estheticians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for estheticians in Brookings spans from $20,640 at the 10th percentile to $55,900 at the 90th percentile — a $35,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,320. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Esthetician Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level esthetician earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,540
$-5,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $20,640
25th Percentile $25,800
Median (50th) $32,852
75th Percentile $44,720
90th Percentile $55,900

Esthetician Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$35,144
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$34,380
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$32,088
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$31,324
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Esthetician in Brookings

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Brookings

Browse open esthetician positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Brookings

How much does a Esthetician make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $32,852 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $20,640 (10th percentile) to $55,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,852, a esthetician in Brookings earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Brookings's median esthetician salary of $32,852 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $33,616. 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 esthetician salary of $32,852 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Brookings? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Brookings require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.