Agriculture & Environment Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Forester Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median forester salary in Brookings, SD is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$54,859
vs State Avg
$-1,276
vs National
$-8,931
Cost of Living
86%

Forester Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median forester salary of $54,859, which is $1,276 below the South Dakota state average of $56,135. Compared to the national median of $63,790, 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 $54,859 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Brookings spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level forester earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $43,860
Median (50th) $54,859
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $87,720

Forester Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$58,687
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$57,411
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$53,584
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$52,308
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Forester in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Brookings

Browse open forester positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Brookings

How much does a Forester make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median forester salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,859, a forester in Brookings earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for forester pay? ▼
Brookings's median forester salary of $54,859 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $56,135. 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 forester salary of $54,859 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Brookings? ▼
Most forester positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Forest Management, GIS/GPS, Timber Cruising, Ecology. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.