HVAC Technician Salary in Brookings, SD: $44,195 (2026)

HVAC Technician Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median hvac technician salary of $44,195, which is $1,028 below the South Dakota state average of $45,223. Compared to the national median of $51,390, 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 $44,195 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for hvac technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for hvac technicians in Brookings spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $71,036 at the 90th percentile — a $42,484 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

HVAC Technician Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,520

$-4,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,720

$-7,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$67,080

$-10,920 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$28,552	$29,216	$33,200
25th Percentile	$35,088	$35,904	$40,800
Median (50th)	$44,195	$45,223	$51,390
75th Percentile	$57,448	$58,784	$66,800
90th Percentile	$71,036	$72,688	$82,600

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$28,552

25th Percentile

$35,088

Median (50th)

$44,195

75th Percentile

$57,448

90th Percentile

$71,036

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Brookings

Education

Most hvac technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

HVAC SystemsRefrigerationElectrical BasicsTroubleshootingEPA CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, hvac technician 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: HVAC Technician Salary in Brookings

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median hvac technician salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $71,036 (90th percentile).

How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,195, a hvac technician in Brookings earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for hvac technician pay? ▼

Brookings's median hvac technician salary of $44,195 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $45,223. 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 hvac technician salary of $44,195 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a hvac technician in Brookings? ▼

Most hvac technician positions in Brookings require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include HVAC Systems, Refrigeration, Electrical Basics, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

HVAC Technician Salary in Brookings, South Dakota