Legal Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Judge Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median judge salary in Brookings, SD is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$127,306
vs State Avg
$-2,960
vs National
$-20,724
Cost of Living
86%

Judge Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median judge salary of $127,306, which is $2,960 below the South Dakota state average of $130,266. Compared to the national median of $148,030, 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 $127,306 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Brookings spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $197,800 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,900. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level judge earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,000
$-21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,900
$-30,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $77,400
Median (50th) $127,306
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $197,800

Judge Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$136,188
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$133,227
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$124,345
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$121,385
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Judge in Brookings

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook

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

Find Judge Jobs in Brookings

Browse open judge positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Brookings

How much does a Judge make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median judge salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $197,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,306, a judge in Brookings earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for judge pay? ▼
Brookings's median judge salary of $127,306 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $130,266. 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 judge salary of $127,306 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Brookings? ▼
Most judge positions in Brookings require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Interpretation, Judicial Reasoning, Court Procedures, Impartiality. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.