Creative & Education Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Social Worker Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median social worker salary in Brookings, SD is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$47,601
vs State Avg
$-1,107
vs National
$-7,749
Cost of Living
86%

Social Worker Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median social worker salary of $47,601, which is $1,107 below the South Dakota state average of $48,708. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $47,601 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Brookings spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $75,508 at the 90th percentile — a $44,204 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level social worker earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 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)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $38,012
Median (50th) $47,601
75th Percentile $60,544
90th Percentile $75,508

Social Worker Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$50,922
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$49,815
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$46,494
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$45,387
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Social Worker in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Brookings

Browse open social worker positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Brookings

How much does a Social Worker make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median social worker salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $75,508 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,601, a social worker in Brookings earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for social worker pay? ▼
Brookings's median social worker salary of $47,601 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $48,708. 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 social worker salary of $47,601 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Brookings? ▼
Most social worker positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.