Psychologist Salary in Brookings, SD: $73,384 (2026)

Psychologist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median psychologist salary of $73,384, which is $1,706 below the South Dakota state average of $75,090. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 $73,384 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $85,330 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for psychologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for psychologists in Brookings spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $133,300 at the 90th percentile — a $92,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,720, while senior psychologists 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.

Psychologist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level psychologist earns around $44,720, 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)

$44,720

$-7,280 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$75,680

$-12,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$124,700

$-20,300 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$42,240	$48,000
25th Percentile	$55,040	$56,320	$64,000
Median (50th)	$73,384	$75,090	$85,330
75th Percentile	$98,900	$101,200	$115,000
90th Percentile	$133,300	$136,400	$155,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$41,280

25th Percentile

$55,040

Median (50th)

$73,384

75th Percentile

$98,900

90th Percentile

$133,300

How to Become a Psychologist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist 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: Psychologist Salary in Brookings

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

The median psychologist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $73,384 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $133,300 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $73,384, a psychologist in Brookings earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median psychologist salary of $73,384 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $75,090. 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 psychologist salary of $73,384 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most psychologist positions in Brookings require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Psychologist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota