Public Service Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Brookings, SD is $67,716 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$67,716
vs State Avg
$-1,575
vs National
$-11,024
Cost of Living
86%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $67,716, which is $1,575 below the South Dakota state average of $69,291. Compared to the national median of $78,740, 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 $67,716 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for occupational health & safety specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational health & safety specialists in Brookings spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $104,920 at the 90th percentile — a $63,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior occupational health & safety specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,480. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,480
$-16,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,320
Median (50th) $67,716
75th Percentile $86,000
90th Percentile $104,920

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in Brookings

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Jobs in Brookings

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $67,716 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $104,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,716, a occupational health & safety specialist in Brookings earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for occupational health & safety specialist pay? ▼
Brookings's median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $67,716 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $69,291. 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 occupational health & safety specialist salary of $67,716 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational health & safety specialist in Brookings? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include OSHA Regulations, Hazard Assessment, Safety Training, Industrial Hygiene. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.