Construction & Real Estate Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Surveyor Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median surveyor salary in Brookings, SD is $56,407 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$56,407
vs State Avg
$-1,312
vs National
$-9,183
Cost of Living
86%

Surveyor Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median surveyor salary of $56,407, which is $1,312 below the South Dakota state average of $57,719. Compared to the national median of $65,590, 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 $56,407 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for surveyors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surveyors in Brookings spans from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $91,160 at the 90th percentile — a $56,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,000. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surveyor Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level surveyor earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,620
$-9,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $34,400
25th Percentile $44,720
Median (50th) $56,407
75th Percentile $73,960
90th Percentile $91,160

Surveyor Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$60,343
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$59,031
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$55,096
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$53,784
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Surveyor in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook

Nationally, surveyor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surveyor Jobs in Brookings

Browse open surveyor positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Brookings

How much does a Surveyor make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $56,407 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $34,400 (10th percentile) to $91,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,407, a surveyor in Brookings earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for surveyor pay? ▼
Brookings's median surveyor salary of $56,407 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $57,719. 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 surveyor salary of $56,407 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surveyor in Brookings? ▼
Most surveyor positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Surveying Equipment, GPS/GIS, CAD, Mathematics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.