Healthcare Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Optometrist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median optometrist salary in Brookings, SD is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$108,007
vs State Avg
$-2,512
vs National
$-17,583
Cost of Living
86%

Optometrist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median optometrist salary of $108,007, which is $2,512 below the South Dakota state average of $110,519. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $108,007 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Brookings spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $165,120 at the 90th percentile — a $98,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,080. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level optometrist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,080
$-17,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,080
$-24,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $86,000
Median (50th) $108,007
75th Percentile $135,880
90th Percentile $165,120

Optometrist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$115,543
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$113,031
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$105,496
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$102,984
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Optometrist in Brookings

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open optometrist positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Optometrist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $165,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,007, a optometrist in Brookings earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Brookings's median optometrist salary of $108,007 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $110,519. 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 optometrist salary of $108,007 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Brookings? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Brookings require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.