Science & Research Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Geologist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median geologist salary in Brookings, SD is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$71,965
vs State Avg
$-1,673
vs National
$-11,715
Cost of Living
86%

Geologist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level geologist earns around $46,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $43,860
25th Percentile $54,180
Median (50th) $71,965
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Geologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,986
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$75,312
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$70,291
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$68,618
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Geologist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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 Geologist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open geologist positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Geologist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median geologist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $43,860 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,965, a geologist in Brookings earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for geologist pay? ▼
Brookings's median geologist salary of $71,965 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $73,638. 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 geologist salary of $71,965 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Brookings? ▼
Most geologist positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.