Brookings, South Dakota has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation — consistently hovering around 2–3% — thanks to a diversified economy anchored by higher education, healthcare, agriculture, and a growing technology sector. Whether you’re relocating for work or already in town and looking to advance your career, this guide breaks down who’s hiring, what they pay, and how to find opportunities in Brookings.
The Largest Employers in Brookings
South Dakota State University is the city’s dominant employer, with over 3,000 full-time faculty, staff, and administrative employees. SDSU offers roles across academics, research, athletics, IT, facilities management, and student services, with salaries ranging from $35,000/year for entry-level support positions to $120,000+ for tenured faculty and senior administrators. Brookings Health System, the regional medical center, employs over 600 people in clinical, administrative, and support roles. 3M, with a major manufacturing and research facility in Brookings, is a high-profile employer offering competitive salaries, benefits, and career advancement.
Innovation Campus and Technology Jobs
The South Dakota Innovation Campus, adjacent to SDSU, has attracted a growing cluster of technology companies, agricultural tech startups, and research organizations. Companies like Raven Industries (acquired by CNH Industrial), Daktronics, and various ag-tech firms employ engineers, software developers, product managers, and data scientists. Software engineering salaries in Brookings typically range from $65,000–$105,000/year, which goes significantly further in Brookings than equivalent salaries in coastal markets given the city’s low cost of living and absence of state income tax.
Healthcare Careers in Brookings
Healthcare is a growth sector in Brookings. Beyond Brookings Health System, Avera Medical Group, various specialty clinics, and senior care facilities regularly hire nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, and medical office professionals. Registered nurses in Brookings earn $55,000–$80,000/year, while advanced practice providers can earn $100,000–$130,000. The region has a documented healthcare worker shortage, meaning qualified applicants often receive sign-on bonuses and relocation assistance.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Brookings is surrounded by some of the most productive farmland in the United States and serves as a hub for agricultural research and agribusiness services. SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences employs researchers and extension agents. Private firms in seed research, precision agriculture technology, grain trading, and agricultural finance offer stable, well-compensated careers for people with relevant backgrounds. Agricultural and food science professionals in Brookings can expect salaries from $45,000 to $90,000 depending on experience and specialization.
How to Find Jobs in Brookings
The most effective approaches for finding employment in Brookings are direct outreach to major employers, engagement with the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce’s job board and networking events, and monitoring SDSU’s HR portal (jobs.sdbor.edu) for university positions. LinkedIn is useful for connecting with Brookings-based hiring managers at technology and professional services firms. Local Facebook groups focused on Brookings jobs and housing also surface opportunities that don’t always make it to larger job boards. For those relocating, several employers — particularly in healthcare and technology — offer relocation assistance packages worth $3,000–$8,000.
Remote Work and Brookings
Brookings has benefited meaningfully from the remote work trend. A growing number of residents work entirely remotely for companies based in Minneapolis, Chicago, or on the coasts while enjoying Brookings’ lower cost of living. High-speed fiber internet is available in most of the city through Swiftel and Midco, and coworking space options have expanded in recent years. For remote workers, Brookings represents an opportunity to meaningfully increase savings rate, buy a home earlier, and enjoy a higher quality of daily life — without sacrificing career trajectory.
