Media & Communications Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Translator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median translator salary in Brookings, SD is $49,097 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$49,097
vs State Avg
$-1,142
vs National
$-7,993
Cost of Living
86%

Translator Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median translator salary of $49,097, which is $1,142 below the South Dakota state average of $50,239. Compared to the national median of $57,090, 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 $49,097 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,090 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for translators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for translators in Brookings spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $86,860 at the 90th percentile — a $59,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Translator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level translator earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $36,120
Median (50th) $49,097
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $86,860

Translator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$52,523
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$51,381
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$47,956
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$46,814
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Translator in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, translator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Translator Jobs in Brookings

Browse open translator positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Translator make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median translator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $49,097 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $86,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,097, a translator in Brookings earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for translator pay? ▼
Brookings's median translator salary of $49,097 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $50,239. 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 translator salary of $49,097 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Brookings? ▼
Most translator positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, CAT Tools, Cultural Knowledge, Proofreading. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.