Media & Communications Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Journalist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median journalist salary in Brookings, SD is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$48,126
vs State Avg
$-1,119
vs National
$-7,834
Cost of Living
86%

Journalist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median journalist salary of $48,126, which is $1,119 below the South Dakota state average of $49,245. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $48,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Brookings spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $94,600 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,000. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,000 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)
$86,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $34,400
Median (50th) $48,126
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $94,600

Journalist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,483
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$50,364
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$47,006
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$45,887
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Journalist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open journalist positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Journalist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median journalist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $94,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,126, a journalist in Brookings earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for journalist pay? ▼
Brookings's median journalist salary of $48,126 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $49,245. 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 journalist salary of $48,126 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Brookings? ▼
Most journalist positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.