Software Engineer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota
The median software engineer salary in Brookings, SD is $100,602 per year, which is 19% below the national median and 2.4% below the South Dakota state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)
Brookings offers a median software engineer salary of $100,602, which is $2,484 below the South Dakota state average of $103,086. Compared to the national median of $124,200, 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 $100,602 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $116,979 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for software engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for software engineers in Brookings spans from $60,426 at the 10th percentile to $160,850 at the 90th percentile — a $100,424 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,180, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,850. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Software Engineer Salary in Brookings by Experience
In Brookings, an entry-level software engineer earns around $63,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD
| Percentile | Brookings |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,426 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,542 |
| Median (50th) | $100,602 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,142 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,850 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Brookings
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Brookings
Browse open software engineer positions in Brookings, SD: