Public Service Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Police Officer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median police officer salary in Brookings, SD is $56,579 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$56,579
vs State Avg
$-1,316
vs National
$-9,211
Cost of Living
86%

Police Officer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median police officer salary of $56,579, which is $1,316 below the South Dakota state average of $57,895. Compared to the national median of $65,790, 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 $56,579 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Brookings spans from $34,744 at the 10th percentile to $91,160 at the 90th percentile — a $56,416 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,280. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,280
$-13,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $34,744
25th Percentile $44,032
Median (50th) $56,579
75th Percentile $74,992
90th Percentile $91,160

Police Officer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$60,527
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$59,211
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$55,264
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$53,948
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Police Officer in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Brookings

Browse open police officer positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Police Officer make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median police officer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $56,579 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $34,744 (10th percentile) to $91,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,579, a police officer in Brookings earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for police officer pay? ▼
Brookings's median police officer salary of $56,579 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $57,895. 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 police officer salary of $56,579 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Brookings? ▼
Most police officer positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.