Robotics Engineer Salary in Brookings, SD: $81,162 (2026)

Robotics Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median robotics engineer salary of $81,162, which is $2,004 below the South Dakota state average of $83,166. Compared to the national median of $100,200, 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 $81,162 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $94,374 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for robotics engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for robotics engineers in Brookings spans from $50,220 at the 10th percentile to $133,650 at the 90th percentile — a $83,430 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,650, while senior robotics engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,980. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Robotics Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level robotics engineer earns around $52,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,980 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,650

$-12,350 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,620

$-19,380 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,980

$-30,020 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$50,220	$51,460	$62,000
25th Percentile	$64,800	$66,400	$80,000
Median (50th)	$81,162	$83,166	$100,200
75th Percentile	$106,920	$109,560	$132,000
90th Percentile	$133,650	$136,950	$165,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$50,220

25th Percentile

$64,800

Median (50th)

$81,162

75th Percentile

$106,920

90th Percentile

$133,650

How to Become a Robotics Engineer in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

ROSC++/PythonControl SystemsCADSensors/ActuatorsMachine Learning

Job Outlook

Nationally, robotics engineer employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Robotics Engineer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Robotics Engineer make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median robotics engineer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $81,162 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $100,200. Salaries range from $50,220 (10th percentile) to $133,650 (90th percentile).

How much does a Robotics Engineer make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $81,162, a robotics engineer in Brookings earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median robotics engineer salary of $81,162 is 2.4% below the South Dakota state average of $83,166. 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 robotics engineer salary of $81,162 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most robotics engineer positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include ROS, C++/Python, Control Systems, CAD. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.

Robotics Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota