Mechanical Engineer Salary in Brookings, SD: $91,865 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Brookings, SD earns a median $91,865/year (≈ $44.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Brookings's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $98,992 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Mechanical engineers in Brookings, SD, can expect a median annual salary of $91,865 in 2026, which reflects a wage that is approximately 14.27% lower than the national median of $107,150. The projected salary range for this occupation indicates significant variability, with entry-level positions starting at around $71,037 and experienced professionals earning up to $135,655. These figures are derived from local estimates based on BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional costs, providing a detailed overview of how much do mechanical engineers make in Brookings. With notable employers in the region spanning various sectors, the job market presents competitive opportunities, particularly in industries that have been reshaped by cutting-edge advancements in aerospace and automotive engineering.
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) | $71,037 | $34.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,009 | $37.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,865 | $44.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,419 | $54.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,655 | $65.22 |
Median Salary Position
14.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
In Brookings, SD, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,618 (2026 est.). At $91,865, the local median is 14.27% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookings Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Brookings median: $91,865/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $99,421 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -14.27% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Brookings, SD earn a median of $91,865 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.27% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $99,421.
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 mechanical engineer earning $91,865 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,992 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,816
2025 BLS Actual
$89,259
2026 Current Est.
$91,865
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,816 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,706 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,572 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,315 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,259 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,865 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,548 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookings metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $75,816 (2019) to $89,259 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,548 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,732 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-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) | $71,037 – $77,009 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,009 – $91,865 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,865 – $113,419 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,419 – $135,655 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Brookings
The Brookings job market for mechanical engineers is currently modest, with only four professionals employed in the area, which can limit local competition but also restrict growth opportunities. With a cost of living index of 92.8, the purchasing power for engineers here speaks to an accessible standard of life compared to many urban centers, even though this also suggests lower overall salary offerings. While aerospace firms, particularly those linked with SpaceX or defense contractors, may pay top dollar due to the technical demands and security clearances required, the automotive sector, including companies like Tesla and Rivian, is reshaping mechanical engineer pay with equity components. To maximize overall compensation in Brookings, engineers should pursue relevant licensure, such as the PE for HVAC roles, and consider targeting industries with heightened demand and better pay scales. Networking within the ASME community and engaging in additional certifications can also enhance earning potential, enabling engineers to leverage their specialized skills effectively in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
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 $89,259 for mechanical engineersin the Brookings metropolitan area. A 2.92% 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 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov