Human Resources Manager Salary in Brookings, SD: $111,800 (2026)

Human Resources Manager Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median human resources manager salary of $111,800, which is $2,600 below the South Dakota state average of $114,400. Compared to the national median of $130,000, 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 $111,800 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $130,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for human resources managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for human resources managers in Brookings spans from $67,252 at the 10th percentile to $178,880 at the 90th percentile — a $111,628 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,900. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$90,300

$-14,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$141,900

$-23,100 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$67,252	$68,816	$78,200
25th Percentile	$86,860	$88,880	$101,000
Median (50th)	$111,800	$114,400	$130,000
75th Percentile	$143,620	$146,960	$167,000
90th Percentile	$178,880	$183,040	$208,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$67,252

25th Percentile

$86,860

Median (50th)

$111,800

75th Percentile

$143,620

90th Percentile

$178,880

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Brookings

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median human resources manager salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $111,800 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $67,252 (10th percentile) to $178,880 (90th percentile).

How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $111,800, a human resources manager in Brookings earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for human resources manager pay? ▼

Brookings's median human resources manager salary of $111,800 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $114,400. 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 human resources manager salary of $111,800 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in Brookings? ▼

Most human resources manager positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Brookings, South Dakota