Public Service Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Security Guard Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median security guard salary in Brookings, SD is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$29,885
vs State Avg
$-695
vs National
$-4,865
Cost of Living
86%

Security Guard Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median security guard salary of $29,885, which is $695 below the South Dakota state average of $30,580. Compared to the national median of $34,750, 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 $29,885 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Brookings spans from $21,500 at the 10th percentile to $44,720 at the 90th percentile — a $23,220 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $43,000. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $43,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $21,500
25th Percentile $24,940
Median (50th) $29,885
75th Percentile $36,120
90th Percentile $44,720

Security Guard Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$31,970
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$31,275
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$29,190
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$28,495
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Security Guard in Brookings

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Brookings

Browse open security guard positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Brookings

How much does a Security Guard make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median security guard salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,500 (10th percentile) to $44,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,885, a security guard in Brookings earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for security guard pay? ▼
Brookings's median security guard salary of $29,885 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $30,580. 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 security guard salary of $29,885 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Brookings? ▼
Most security guard positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.