Project Manager Salary in Brookings, SD: $82,018 (2026)

Project Manager Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median project manager salary of $82,018, which is $1,908 below the South Dakota state average of $83,926. Compared to the national median of $95,370, 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 $82,018 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,370 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for project managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for project managers in Brookings spans from $48,332 at the 10th percentile to $136,826 at the 90th percentile — a $88,494 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,880, while senior project managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Project Manager Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level project manager earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,880

$-8,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,560

$-13,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$124,700

$-20,300 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$48,332	$49,456	$56,200
25th Percentile	$62,780	$64,240	$73,000
Median (50th)	$82,018	$83,926	$95,370
75th Percentile	$108,360	$110,880	$126,000
90th Percentile	$136,826	$140,008	$159,100

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$48,332

25th Percentile

$62,780

Median (50th)

$82,018

75th Percentile

$108,360

90th Percentile

$136,826

How to Become a Project Manager in Brookings

Education

Most project manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Brookings

How much does a Project Manager make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median project manager salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $82,018 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $48,332 (10th percentile) to $136,826 (90th percentile).

How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $82,018, a project manager in Brookings earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median project manager salary of $82,018 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $83,926. 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 project manager salary of $82,018 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most project manager positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agile/Scrum, Risk Management, Budgeting, Stakeholder Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Project Manager Salary in Brookings, South Dakota