Mediator Salary in Brookings, SD: $54,980 (2026)

Mediator Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median mediator salary of $54,980, which is $1,278 below the South Dakota state average of $56,258. Compared to the national median of $63,930, 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 $54,980 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for mediators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mediators in Brookings spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $105,780 at the 90th percentile — a $73,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior mediators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,900. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mediator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level mediator earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,120

$-5,880 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,900

$-16,100 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$32,680	$33,440	$38,000
25th Percentile	$41,280	$42,240	$48,000
Median (50th)	$54,980	$56,258	$63,930
75th Percentile	$77,400	$79,200	$90,000
90th Percentile	$105,780	$108,240	$123,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$32,680

25th Percentile

$41,280

Median (50th)

$54,980

75th Percentile

$77,400

90th Percentile

$105,780

How to Become a Mediator in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Conflict ResolutionNegotiationActive ListeningLegal KnowledgeImpartialityCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, mediator 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mediator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Mediator make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median mediator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $54,980 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,930. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $105,780 (90th percentile).

How much does a Mediator make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,980, a mediator in Brookings earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for mediator pay? ▼

Brookings's median mediator salary of $54,980 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $56,258. 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 mediator salary of $54,980 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a mediator in Brookings? ▼

Most mediator positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Active Listening, Legal Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Mediator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota