Respiratory Therapist Salary in Brookings, SD: $60,664 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664, which is $1,411 below the South Dakota state average of $62,075. Compared to the national median of $70,540, 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 $60,664 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Brookings spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile — a $43,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$42,240	$48,000
25th Percentile	$49,020	$50,160	$57,000
Median (50th)	$60,664	$62,075	$70,540
75th Percentile	$73,960	$75,680	$86,000
90th Percentile	$85,140	$87,120	$99,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$41,280

25th Percentile

$49,020

Median (50th)

$60,664

75th Percentile

$73,960

90th Percentile

$85,140

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Brookings

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $60,664 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $85,140 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,664, a respiratory therapist in Brookings earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $62,075. 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 respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most respiratory therapist positions in Brookings require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota