Trades & Labor Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Truck Driver Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median truck driver salary in Brookings, SD is $42,931 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$42,931
vs State Avg
$-999
vs National
$-6,989
Cost of Living
86%

Truck Driver Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median truck driver salary of $42,931, which is $999 below the South Dakota state average of $43,930. Compared to the national median of $49,920, 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 $42,931 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Brookings spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,528 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior truck drivers 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.

Truck Driver Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,100, 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)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,920
$-10,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $28,552
25th Percentile $34,572
Median (50th) $42,931
75th Percentile $54,868
90th Percentile $67,080

Truck Driver Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$45,926
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$44,928
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$41,933
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$40,934
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Truck Driver in Brookings

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver 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 Truck Driver Jobs in Brookings

Browse open truck driver positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Brookings

How much does a Truck Driver make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $42,931 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,931, a truck driver in Brookings earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Brookings's median truck driver salary of $42,931 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $43,930. 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 truck driver salary of $42,931 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Brookings? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Brookings require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.