Genetic Counselor Salary in Brookings, SD: $77,391 (2026)

Genetic Counselor Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median genetic counselor salary of $77,391, which is $1,800 below the South Dakota state average of $79,191. Compared to the national median of $89,990, 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 $77,391 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Brookings spans from $51,600 at the 10th percentile to $111,800 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,500. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$78,260

$-12,740 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$107,500

$-17,500 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$51,600	$52,800	$60,000
25th Percentile	$63,640	$65,120	$74,000
Median (50th)	$77,391	$79,191	$89,990
75th Percentile	$92,880	$95,040	$108,000
90th Percentile	$111,800	$114,400	$130,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$51,600

25th Percentile

$63,640

Median (50th)

$77,391

75th Percentile

$92,880

90th Percentile

$111,800

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

GeneticsPatient CounselingPedigree AnalysisGenetic TestingCommunicationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, genetic counselor employment is projected to grow 26% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Brookings

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median genetic counselor salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $77,391 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $51,600 (10th percentile) to $111,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $77,391, a genetic counselor in Brookings earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼

Brookings's median genetic counselor salary of $77,391 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $79,191. 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 genetic counselor salary of $77,391 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Brookings? ▼

Most genetic counselor positions in Brookings require a master's degree. Key skills include Genetics, Patient Counseling, Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Testing. The job market is projected to grow 26% nationally over the next decade.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Brookings, South Dakota