Occupational Therapist Salary in Brookings, SD: $80,135 (2026)

Occupational Therapist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median occupational therapist salary of $80,135, which is $1,863 below the South Dakota state average of $81,998. Compared to the national median of $93,180, 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 $80,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Brookings spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,659 at the 90th percentile — a $56,339 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$79,980

$-13,020 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,200

$-16,800 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$53,320	$54,560	$62,000
25th Percentile	$66,392	$67,936	$77,200
Median (50th)	$80,135	$81,998	$93,180
75th Percentile	$94,428	$96,624	$109,800
90th Percentile	$109,659	$112,209	$127,510

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$53,320

25th Percentile

$66,392

Median (50th)

$80,135

75th Percentile

$94,428

90th Percentile

$109,659

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $109,659 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,135, a occupational therapist in Brookings earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median occupational therapist salary of $80,135 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $81,998. 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 therapist salary of $80,135 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most occupational therapist positions in Brookings require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota