Hospitality & Tourism Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Travel Agent Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median travel agent salary in Brookings, SD is $39,904 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$39,904
vs State Avg
$-928
vs National
$-6,496
Cost of Living
86%

Travel Agent Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median travel agent salary of $39,904, which is $928 below the South Dakota state average of $40,832. Compared to the national median of $46,400, 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 $39,904 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for travel agents seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for travel agents in Brookings spans from $24,080 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior travel agents with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Travel Agent Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level travel agent earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,920
$-10,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $24,080
25th Percentile $30,960
Median (50th) $39,904
75th Percentile $52,460
90th Percentile $67,080

Travel Agent Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$42,688
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$41,760
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$38,976
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$38,048
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Travel Agent in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Booking SystemsDestination KnowledgeCustomer ServiceSalesItinerary PlanningProblem Solving

Job Outlook

Nationally, travel agent 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 Travel Agent Jobs in Brookings

Browse open travel agent positions in Brookings, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Travel Agent Salary in Brookings

How much does a Travel Agent make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median travel agent salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $39,904 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $46,400. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Travel Agent make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,904, a travel agent 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 travel agent pay? ▼
Brookings's median travel agent salary of $39,904 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $40,832. 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 travel agent salary of $39,904 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a travel agent in Brookings? ▼
Most travel agent positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Booking Systems, Destination Knowledge, Customer Service, Sales. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.