Registered Nurse Salary in Brookings, SD: $69,849 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,849, which is $1,625 below the South Dakota state average of $71,474. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $69,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Brookings spans from $49,364 at the 10th percentile to $103,888 at the 90th percentile — a $54,524 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,880, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,900. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,900 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)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,900

$-16,100 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$49,364	$50,512	$57,400
25th Percentile	$57,448	$58,784	$66,800
Median (50th)	$69,849	$71,474	$81,220
75th Percentile	$86,946	$88,968	$101,100
90th Percentile	$103,888	$106,304	$120,800

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$49,364

25th Percentile

$57,448

Median (50th)

$69,849

75th Percentile

$86,946

90th Percentile

$103,888

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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: Registered Nurse Salary in Brookings

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $49,364 (10th percentile) to $103,888 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,849, a registered nurse in Brookings earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median registered nurse salary of $69,849 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $71,474. 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 registered nurse salary of $69,849 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most registered nurse positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Brookings, South Dakota