Senior Data Analyst Salary in Brookings, SD: $68,362 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Brookings, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $68,362/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Brookings's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $73,666 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the top earners among experienced data analysts in Brookings, SD, can expect to earn approximately $68,362 annually, with 75th percentile salaries reaching $56,464. This notable earning potential highlights the significant experience premium associated with senior roles in the data analytics field; the difference between the median annual salary of $44,113 and top-tier compensation reflects the specialized skill sets and advanced knowledge that seasoned analysts bring to their positions. Achieving this level of pay requires a combination of robust technical expertise and industry-specific knowledge, particularly in areas such as machine learning, statistical modeling, or advanced data visualization techniques. Moreover, the relatively lower salary ranges in Brookings compared to the national median of $80,394 suggest that experienced data analysts here may need to strategically position themselves in niche markets or pursue opportunities that align closely with high demand for data-driven decision-making.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Brookings earn between $56,464 and $68,362 per year (2026 est.). This $41,357 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookings median of $44,113 sits 45.13% below the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $44,113 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,464 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $68,362 | $133,152 |
In Brookings, experienced data analysts (P90) earn 54.97% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Data Analyst Pay in Brookings
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $44,113 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookings employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Brookings command premium compensation, often reaching the $56,464–$68,362 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookings metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced data analysts who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured data analysts in Brookings with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Data Analysts in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Data Analyst Career & Wage Growth Path in Brookings
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookings ranks #9 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $68,362).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Brookings ($68,362) is 23.78% below the South Dakota average P90 ($89,692).
2021 BLS Actual
$54,887
2025 BLS Actual
$65,431
2026 Current Est.
$68,362
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 | $54,887 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,433 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,431 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,362 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,425 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Brookings saw their compensation grow 19.2% from $54,887 in 2021 to $65,431 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.48% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $71,425 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Data Analyst Earnings in Brookings
Beyond just salary figures, a closer look at the factors influencing senior data analyst pay in Brookings reveals considerable variance based on specialization and employer type. High-demand areas such as machine learning engineering, product data science, and even research roles tied to major tech initiatives can command premium salaries within this regional market. Companies like FAANG or AI-focused startups typically offer more competitive packages, where total compensation can include significant equity or performance bonuses that outstrip traditional salary metrics. The varied paths from data scientist to senior roles or engineering management often hinge on advanced credentials, such as a Master's or PhD in quantitative fields. These qualifications not only enhance the credibility of candidates but also pave the way for higher earning potential and leadership roles. Non-salary compensation, like RSUs and other equity arrangements, often becomes crucial for those navigating senior positions, influencing decisions about long-term employment and career advancement in Brookings’s technology ecosystem.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Brookings in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Brookings?
What certifications boost data analyst salary in Brookings?
Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Brookings?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Brookings?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $65,431 for data analysts in the Brookings metro area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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