Physicist Salary in Brookings, SD: $131,090 (2026)

Physicist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $3,048 below the South Dakota state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $131,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Brookings spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $204,680 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 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)

$133,300

$-21,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$189,200

$-30,800 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$67,080	$68,640	$78,000
25th Percentile	$92,880	$95,040	$108,000
Median (50th)	$131,090	$134,138	$152,430
75th Percentile	$167,700	$171,600	$195,000
90th Percentile	$204,680	$209,440	$238,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$67,080

25th Percentile

$92,880

Median (50th)

$131,090

75th Percentile

$167,700

90th Percentile

$204,680

How to Become a Physicist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Brookings

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

The median physicist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $204,680 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Brookings earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $134,138. 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 physicist salary of $131,090 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most physicist positions in Brookings require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Physicist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota