Data Analyst Salary in Brookings, SD: $44,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Brookings, SD earns a median $44,113/year (≈ $21.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Brookings's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $47,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, data analysts in Brookings, South Dakota, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $44,113, which reflects a substantial difference of approximately 45.13% below the national median of $80,394. The local compensation range spans from $27,005 at the 10th percentile to $68,362 at the 90th percentile, suggesting variability based on experience, expertise, and the nature of the employing organization. These figures are derived from state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost-of-living considerations. With the low cost of living in Brookings—reflected in a cost-of-living index of 92.8—opportunities exist for analysts to optimize their earnings while maintaining a reasonable standard of living, especially within certain employment sectors that prioritize data skills.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,005 | $12.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,628 | $15.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,113 | $21.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,464 | $27.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,362 | $32.87 |
Median Salary Position
45.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
In Brookings, SD, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,357 (2026 est.). At $44,113, the local median is 45.13% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookings Data Analyst Pay Compares
Brookings median: $44,113/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $47,741 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -45.13% less |
Data Analysts in Brookings, SD earn a median of $44,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.13% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $47,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookings has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brookings, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $44,113 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,536 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,436
2025 BLS Actual
$42,221
2026 Current Est.
$44,113
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Brookings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,436 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,089 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookings metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $35,436 (2021) to $42,221 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,089 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,653 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $27,005 – $32,628 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,628 – $44,113 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,113 – $56,464 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,464 – $68,362 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Brookings
Given that there are currently four data analysts employed in Brookings, the local job market appears quite concentrated. The cost of living index indicates a favorable environment for data analyst salaries despite the overall lower pay compared to national benchmarks. Employers in Brookings, particularly those that are more established and larger tech firms, typically offer stronger salary packages. Factors contributing to the wide disparities in compensation include the stature of the hiring company, job level within the organization, equity compensation, and specific skills such as machine learning engineering versus traditional analytics. To maximize pay, aspiring candidates should focus on roles that leverage specialized skills and consider remote opportunities with larger tech firms, which might offer competitive packages through RSUs and bonuses in addition to their base salaries.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $42,221 for data analystsin the Brookings metropolitan area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov