Agriculture & Environment Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Zoologist Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median zoologist salary in Brookings, SD is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$58,678
vs State Avg
$-1,364
vs National
$-9,552
Cost of Living
86%

Zoologist Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median zoologist salary of $58,678, which is $1,364 below the South Dakota state average of $60,042. Compared to the national median of $68,230, 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 $58,678 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Brookings spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $96,320 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level zoologist earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,300
$-14,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $46,440
Median (50th) $58,678
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $96,320

Zoologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$62,772
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$61,407
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$57,313
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$55,949
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Zoologist in Brookings

Education

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

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist 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 Zoologist Jobs in Brookings

Browse open zoologist positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Brookings

How much does a Zoologist make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $96,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,678, a zoologist in Brookings earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Brookings's median zoologist salary of $58,678 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $60,042. 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 zoologist salary of $58,678 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Brookings? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.