Agriculture & Environment Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Park Ranger Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median park ranger salary in Brookings, SD is $36,550 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$36,550
vs State Avg
$-850
vs National
$-5,950
Cost of Living
86%

Park Ranger Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median park ranger salary of $36,550, which is $850 below the South Dakota state average of $37,400. Compared to the national median of $42,500, 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 $36,550 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Brookings spans from $24,080 at the 10th percentile to $61,920 at the 90th percentile — a $37,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $24,080
25th Percentile $29,240
Median (50th) $36,550
75th Percentile $49,880
90th Percentile $61,920

Park Ranger Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$39,100
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$38,250
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$35,700
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$34,850
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Park Ranger in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Brookings

Browse open park ranger positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Brookings

How much does a Park Ranger make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $36,550 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $61,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,550, a park ranger in Brookings earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Brookings's median park ranger salary of $36,550 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $37,400. 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 park ranger salary of $36,550 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Brookings? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Conservation, Law Enforcement, Public Education, Wildlife Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.