Healthcare Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Surgeon Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median surgeon salary in Brookings, SD is $219,395 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$219,395
vs State Avg
$-5,102
vs National
$-35,715
Cost of Living
86%

Surgeon Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median surgeon salary of $219,395, which is $5,102 below the South Dakota state average of $224,497. Compared to the national median of $255,110, 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 $219,395 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $255,110 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for surgeons seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surgeons in Brookings spans from $103,200 at the 10th percentile to $361,200 at the 90th percentile — a $258,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $111,800, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $344,000. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surgeon Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level surgeon earns around $111,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $344,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$111,800
$-18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$223,600
$-36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$344,000
$-56,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $103,200
25th Percentile $150,500
Median (50th) $219,395
75th Percentile $301,000
90th Percentile $361,200

Surgeon Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$234,701
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$229,599
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$214,292
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$209,190
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Surgeon in Brookings

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, surgeon 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 Surgeon Jobs in Brookings

Browse open surgeon positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Brookings

How much does a Surgeon make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $219,395 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $103,200 (10th percentile) to $361,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $219,395, a surgeon in Brookings earns approximately $105 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Brookings's median surgeon salary of $219,395 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $224,497. 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 surgeon salary of $219,395 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Brookings? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Brookings require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.