Business & Finance Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Fundraiser Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median fundraiser salary in Brookings, SD is $55,178 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$55,178
vs State Avg
$-1,283
vs National
$-8,982
Cost of Living
86%

Fundraiser Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median fundraiser salary of $55,178, which is $1,283 below the South Dakota state average of $56,461. Compared to the national median of $64,160, 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 $55,178 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for fundraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fundraisers in Brookings spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,900 at the 90th percentile — a $67,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,880. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fundraiser Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,880 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)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,880
$-15,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $30,960
25th Percentile $39,560
Median (50th) $55,178
75th Percentile $75,680
90th Percentile $98,900

Fundraiser Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$59,027
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$57,744
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$53,894
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$52,611
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Fundraiser in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Brookings

Browse open fundraiser positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Brookings

How much does a Fundraiser make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $55,178 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $98,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,178, a fundraiser in Brookings earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for fundraiser pay? ▼
Brookings's median fundraiser salary of $55,178 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $56,461. 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 fundraiser salary of $55,178 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Brookings? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Fundraising, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Donor Relations. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.