Photographer Salary in Brookings, SD: $34,572 (2026)

Photographer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median photographer salary of $34,572, which is $804 below the South Dakota state average of $35,376. Compared to the national median of $40,200, 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 $34,572 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $40,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for photographers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for photographers in Brookings spans from $20,640 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $49,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,500. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Photographer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level photographer earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,360

$-3,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$36,120

$-5,880 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$64,500

$-10,500 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$20,640	$21,120	$24,000
25th Percentile	$25,800	$26,400	$30,000
Median (50th)	$34,572	$35,376	$40,200
75th Percentile	$49,880	$51,040	$58,000
90th Percentile	$70,520	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$20,640

25th Percentile

$25,800

Median (50th)

$34,572

75th Percentile

$49,880

90th Percentile

$70,520

How to Become a Photographer in Brookings

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, photographer 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: Photographer Salary in Brookings

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

The median photographer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $34,572 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $20,640 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $34,572, a photographer in Brookings earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median photographer salary of $34,572 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $35,376. 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 photographer salary of $34,572 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most photographer positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Photography, Lightroom/Photoshop, Lighting, Composition. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Photographer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota