Healthcare Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Veterinarian Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median veterinarian salary in Brookings, SD is $88,804 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$88,804
vs State Avg
$-2,065
vs National
$-14,456
Cost of Living
86%

Veterinarian Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median veterinarian salary of $88,804, which is $2,065 below the South Dakota state average of $90,869. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 $88,804 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Brookings spans from $56,072 at the 10th percentile to $149,812 at the 90th percentile — a $93,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,480, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,300. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinarian Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $58,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,300
$-14,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,300
$-21,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $56,072
25th Percentile $69,144
Median (50th) $88,804
75th Percentile $115,584
90th Percentile $149,812

Veterinarian Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$94,999
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$92,934
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$86,738
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$84,673
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Veterinarian in Brookings

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Brookings

Browse open veterinarian positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Brookings

How much does a Veterinarian make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $88,804 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $56,072 (10th percentile) to $149,812 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,804, a veterinarian in Brookings earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Brookings's median veterinarian salary of $88,804 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $90,869. 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 veterinarian salary of $88,804 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Brookings? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Brookings require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.