Public Relations Specialist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota
The median public relations specialist salary in Brookings, SD is $57,998 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.
Public Relations Specialist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)
Brookings offers a median public relations specialist salary of $57,998, which is $1,349 below the South Dakota state average of $59,347. Compared to the national median of $67,440, 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 $57,998 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for public relations specialists in Brookings spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $103,200 at the 90th percentile — a $70,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,320. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Brookings by Experience
In Brookings, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD
| Percentile | Brookings |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,000 |
| Median (50th) | $57,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,260 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,200 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Brookings
Education
Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, public relations specialist 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.
Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Brookings
Browse open public relations specialist positions in Brookings, SD: