Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota
The median machine learning engineer salary in Brookings, SD is $107,730 per year, which is 19% below the national median and 2.4% below the South Dakota state average.
Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)
Brookings offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $107,730, which is $2,660 below the South Dakota state average of $110,390. Compared to the national median of $133,000, 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 $107,730 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,267 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for machine learning engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for machine learning engineers in Brookings spans from $66,420 at the 10th percentile to $166,050 at the 90th percentile — a $99,630 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,280, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,520. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience
In Brookings, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $71,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD
| Percentile | Brookings |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $66,420 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,480 |
| Median (50th) | $107,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,050 |
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Brookings
Education
Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Brookings
Browse open machine learning engineer positions in Brookings, SD: