Industrial Engineer Salary in Brookings, SD: $81,958 (2026)

Industrial Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median industrial engineer salary of $81,958, which is $1,906 below the South Dakota state average of $83,864. Compared to the national median of $95,300, 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 $81,958 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,300 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for industrial engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for industrial engineers in Brookings spans from $52,460 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $74,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior industrial engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,120. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,560

$-13,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$122,120

$-19,880 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$52,460	$53,680	$61,000
25th Percentile	$65,360	$66,880	$76,000
Median (50th)	$81,958	$83,864	$95,300
75th Percentile	$103,200	$105,600	$120,000
90th Percentile	$127,280	$130,240	$148,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$52,460

25th Percentile

$65,360

Median (50th)

$81,958

75th Percentile

$103,200

90th Percentile

$127,280

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Lean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess OptimizationAutoCADStatistical AnalysisOperations Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median industrial engineer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $81,958 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $52,460 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $81,958, a industrial engineer in Brookings earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for industrial engineer pay? ▼

Brookings's median industrial engineer salary of $81,958 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $83,864. 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 industrial engineer salary of $81,958 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a industrial engineer in Brookings? ▼

Most industrial engineer positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization, AutoCAD. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota