Trades & Labor Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Ironworker Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median ironworker salary in Brookings, SD is $49,450 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$49,450
vs State Avg
$-1,150
vs National
$-8,050
Cost of Living
86%

Ironworker Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median ironworker salary of $49,450, which is $1,150 below the South Dakota state average of $50,600. Compared to the national median of $57,500, 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 $49,450 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Brookings spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $48,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior ironworkers 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.

Ironworker Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level ironworker 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 $30,960
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $49,450
75th Percentile $64,500
90th Percentile $79,120

Ironworker Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$52,900
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$51,750
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$48,300
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$47,150
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Ironworker in Brookings

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, ironworker 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 Ironworker Jobs in Brookings

Browse open ironworker positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Brookings

How much does a Ironworker make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $49,450 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,450, a ironworker 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 ironworker pay? ▼
Brookings's median ironworker salary of $49,450 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $50,600. 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 ironworker salary of $49,450 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Brookings? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Brookings require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Structural Steel, Welding, Blueprint Reading, Rigging. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.