Technology Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Systems Administrator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median systems administrator salary in Brookings, SD is $68,696 per year, which is 19% below the national median and 2.4% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$68,696
vs State Avg
$-1,696
vs National
$-16,114
Cost of Living
86%

Systems Administrator Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median systems administrator salary of $68,696, which is $1,696 below the South Dakota state average of $70,392. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 $68,696 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,879 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for systems administrators in Brookings spans from $42,120 at the 10th percentile to $106,920 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,550, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,250. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Systems Administrator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $44,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,550
$-10,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,660
$-16,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,250
$-23,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $42,120
25th Percentile $54,270
Median (50th) $68,696
75th Percentile $87,480
90th Percentile $106,920

Systems Administrator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$73,785
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$72,089
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$67,000
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$65,304
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator 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 Systems Administrator Jobs in Brookings

Browse open systems administrator positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $68,696 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $42,120 (10th percentile) to $106,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,696, a systems administrator in Brookings earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Brookings's median systems administrator salary of $68,696 is 2.4% below the South Dakota state average of $70,392. 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 systems administrator salary of $68,696 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Brookings? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.