Media & Communications Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Interpreter Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median interpreter salary in Brookings, SD is $49,097 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$49,097
vs State Avg
$-1,142
vs National
$-7,993
Cost of Living
86%

Interpreter Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median interpreter salary of $49,097, which is $1,142 below the South Dakota state average of $50,239. Compared to the national median of $57,090, 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 $49,097 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,090 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for interpreters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for interpreters in Brookings spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $86,860 at the 90th percentile — a $59,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Interpreter Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level interpreter earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $36,120
Median (50th) $49,097
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $86,860

Interpreter Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$52,523
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$51,381
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$47,956
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$46,814
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Interpreter in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interpreter Jobs in Brookings

Browse open interpreter positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Brookings

How much does a Interpreter make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $49,097 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $86,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,097, a interpreter 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 interpreter pay? ▼
Brookings's median interpreter salary of $49,097 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $50,239. 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 interpreter salary of $49,097 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Brookings? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting, Cultural Competency. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.