Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Brookings, SD: $53,165 (2026)

Real Estate Appraiser Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median real estate appraiser salary of $53,165, which is $1,237 below the South Dakota state average of $54,402. Compared to the national median of $61,820, 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 $53,165 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,820 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for real estate appraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for real estate appraisers in Brookings spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $56,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior real estate appraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,560. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level real estate appraiser earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,680

$-5,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,180

$-8,820 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$82,560

$-13,440 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$30,960	$31,680	$36,000
25th Percentile	$39,560	$40,480	$46,000
Median (50th)	$53,165	$54,402	$61,820
75th Percentile	$68,800	$70,400	$80,000
90th Percentile	$87,720	$89,760	$102,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$30,960

25th Percentile

$39,560

Median (50th)

$53,165

75th Percentile

$68,800

90th Percentile

$87,720

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Property ValuationMarket AnalysisReport WritingUSPAP StandardsMLS SystemsAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, real estate appraiser employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Brookings

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median real estate appraiser salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $53,165 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $61,820. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,165, a real estate appraiser in Brookings earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for real estate appraiser pay? ▼

Brookings's median real estate appraiser salary of $53,165 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $54,402. 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 real estate appraiser salary of $53,165 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a real estate appraiser in Brookings? ▼

Most real estate appraiser positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Property Valuation, Market Analysis, Report Writing, USPAP Standards. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Brookings, South Dakota