Pile Driver Operator Salary in Brookings, SD: $62,651 (2026)

Pile Driver Operator Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median pile driver operator salary of $62,651, which is $1,457 below the South Dakota state average of $64,108. Compared to the national median of $72,850, 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 $62,651 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,850 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for pile driver operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for pile driver operators in Brookings spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $96,320 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior pile driver operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,880. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level pile driver operator earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,640

$-10,360 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$92,880

$-15,120 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$36,120	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$46,440	$47,520	$54,000
Median (50th)	$62,651	$64,108	$72,850
75th Percentile	$80,840	$82,720	$94,000
90th Percentile	$96,320	$98,560	$112,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$36,120

25th Percentile

$46,440

Median (50th)

$62,651

75th Percentile

$80,840

90th Percentile

$96,320

How to Become a Pile Driver Operator in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Pile Driving EquipmentConstructionEquipment MaintenanceSafetyCommunicationPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, pile driver operator 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: Pile Driver Operator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median pile driver operator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $62,651 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $72,850. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $96,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $62,651, a pile driver operator in Brookings earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for pile driver operator pay? ▼

Brookings's median pile driver operator salary of $62,651 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $64,108. 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 pile driver operator salary of $62,651 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a pile driver operator in Brookings? ▼

Most pile driver operator positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Pile Driving Equipment, Construction, Equipment Maintenance, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota