Pharmacist Salary in Brookings, SD: $114,165 (2026)

Pharmacist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median pharmacist salary of $114,165, which is $2,655 below the South Dakota state average of $116,820. Compared to the national median of $132,750, 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 $114,165 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $132,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for pharmacists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for pharmacists in Brookings spans from $82,732 at the 10th percentile to $142,588 at the 90th percentile — a $59,856 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,000, while senior pharmacists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,880. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Pharmacist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $86,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$86,000

$-14,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$111,800

$-18,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$135,880

$-22,120 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$82,732	$84,656	$96,200
25th Percentile	$100,620	$102,960	$117,000
Median (50th)	$114,165	$116,820	$132,750
75th Percentile	$130,892	$133,936	$152,200
90th Percentile	$142,588	$145,904	$165,800

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$82,732

25th Percentile

$100,620

Median (50th)

$114,165

75th Percentile

$130,892

90th Percentile

$142,588

How to Become a Pharmacist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, pharmacist employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Brookings

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

The median pharmacist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $114,165 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $82,732 (10th percentile) to $142,588 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $114,165, a pharmacist in Brookings earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median pharmacist salary of $114,165 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $116,820. 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 pharmacist salary of $114,165 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most pharmacist positions in Brookings require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Pharmacology, Patient Counseling, Drug Interactions, Compounding. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.

Pharmacist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota