Paralegal Salary in Brookings, SD: $50,912 (2026)

Paralegal Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median paralegal salary of $50,912, which is $1,184 below the South Dakota state average of $52,096. Compared to the national median of $59,200, 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 $50,912 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $59,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for paralegals seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for paralegals in Brookings spans from $33,024 at the 10th percentile to $79,464 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior paralegals with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,100. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Paralegal Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level paralegal earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,400

$-5,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,600

$-8,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,100

$-11,900 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$33,024	$33,792	$38,400
25th Percentile	$40,248	$41,184	$46,800
Median (50th)	$50,912	$52,096	$59,200
75th Percentile	$64,500	$66,000	$75,000
90th Percentile	$79,464	$81,312	$92,400

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$33,024

25th Percentile

$40,248

Median (50th)

$50,912

75th Percentile

$64,500

90th Percentile

$79,464

How to Become a Paralegal in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, paralegal 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: Paralegal Salary in Brookings

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

The median paralegal salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $50,912 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $33,024 (10th percentile) to $79,464 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $50,912, a paralegal in Brookings earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median paralegal salary of $50,912 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $52,096. 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 paralegal salary of $50,912 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most paralegal positions in Brookings require a associate's degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Document Drafting, Case Management, Westlaw/LexisNexis. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Paralegal Salary in Brookings, South Dakota