Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Brookings, SD: $76,789 (2026)

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $76,789, which is $1,786 below the South Dakota state average of $78,575. Compared to the national median of $89,290, 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 $76,789 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for speech-language pathologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Brookings spans from $51,772 at the 10th percentile to $110,080 at the 90th percentile — a $58,308 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$77,400

$-12,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,200

$-16,800 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$51,772	$52,976	$60,200
25th Percentile	$62,780	$64,240	$73,000
Median (50th)	$76,789	$78,575	$89,290
75th Percentile	$92,880	$95,040	$108,000
90th Percentile	$110,080	$112,640	$128,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$51,772

25th Percentile

$62,780

Median (50th)

$76,789

75th Percentile

$92,880

90th Percentile

$110,080

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Brookings

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $76,789 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $51,772 (10th percentile) to $110,080 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $76,789, a speech-language pathologist in Brookings earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼

Brookings's median speech-language pathologist salary of $76,789 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $78,575. 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 speech-language pathologist salary of $76,789 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Brookings? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Brookings require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota