Creative & Education Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Graphic Designer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median graphic designer salary in Brookings, SD is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$49,871
vs State Avg
$-1,160
vs National
$-8,119
Cost of Living
86%

Graphic Designer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median graphic designer salary of $49,871, which is $1,160 below the South Dakota state average of $51,031. Compared to the national median of $57,990, 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 $49,871 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Brookings spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $84,452 at the 90th percentile — a $53,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 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)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $39,044
Median (50th) $49,871
75th Percentile $64,156
90th Percentile $84,452

Graphic Designer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$53,351
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$52,191
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$48,712
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$47,552
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer 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 Graphic Designer Jobs in Brookings

Browse open graphic designer positions in Brookings, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $84,452 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,871, a graphic designer in Brookings earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Brookings's median graphic designer salary of $49,871 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $51,031. 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 graphic designer salary of $49,871 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Brookings? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.