Tax Preparer Salary in Brookings, SD: $39,809 (2026)

Tax Preparer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median tax preparer salary of $39,809, which is $926 below the South Dakota state average of $40,735. Compared to the national median of $46,290, 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 $39,809 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Brookings spans from $21,500 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $54,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,080

$-3,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$21,500	$22,000	$25,000
25th Percentile	$27,520	$28,160	$32,000
Median (50th)	$39,809	$40,735	$46,290
75th Percentile	$55,900	$57,200	$65,000
90th Percentile	$75,680	$77,440	$88,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$21,500

25th Percentile

$27,520

Median (50th)

$39,809

75th Percentile

$55,900

90th Percentile

$75,680

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Brookings

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $39,809 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $21,500 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $39,809, a tax preparer in Brookings earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Brookings's median tax preparer salary of $39,809 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $40,735. 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 tax preparer salary of $39,809 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Brookings? ▼

Most tax preparer positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Tax Law, Tax Software, Financial Records, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.

Tax Preparer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota