Engineering Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Marine Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median marine engineer salary in Brookings, SD is $83,343 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$83,343
vs State Avg
$-1,938
vs National
$-13,567
Cost of Living
86%

Marine Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median marine engineer salary of $83,343, which is $1,938 below the South Dakota state average of $85,281. Compared to the national median of $96,910, 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 $83,343 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Brookings spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,720 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,280
$-13,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,700
$-20,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $65,360
Median (50th) $83,343
75th Percentile $106,640
90th Percentile $130,720

Marine Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$89,157
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$87,219
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$81,404
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$79,466
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer 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 Marine Engineer Jobs in Brookings

Browse open marine engineer positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $83,343 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $130,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,343, a marine engineer in Brookings earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Brookings's median marine engineer salary of $83,343 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $85,281. 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 marine engineer salary of $83,343 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Brookings? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.