Teacher (K-12) Salary in Brookings, SD: $53,053 (2026)

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053, which is $1,234 below the South Dakota state average of $54,287. Compared to the national median of $61,690, 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 $53,053 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,690 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Brookings spans from $35,604 at the 10th percentile to $86,860 at the 90th percentile — a $51,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 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)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,120

$-12,880 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$35,604	$36,432	$41,400
25th Percentile	$41,968	$42,944	$48,800
Median (50th)	$53,053	$54,287	$61,690
75th Percentile	$68,112	$69,696	$79,200
90th Percentile	$86,860	$88,880	$101,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$35,604

25th Percentile

$41,968

Median (50th)

$53,053

75th Percentile

$68,112

90th Percentile

$86,860

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Brookings

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Brookings

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $53,053 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $35,604 (10th percentile) to $86,860 (90th percentile).

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,053, a teacher (k-12) in Brookings earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼

Brookings's median teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $54,287. 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 teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Brookings? ▼

Most teacher (k-12) positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Brookings, South Dakota