Financial Advisor Salary in Brookings, SD: $93,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Brookings, SD earns a median $93,055/year (≈ $44.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Brookings's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $100,275 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Brookings, South Dakota, financial advisors are projected to earn a median annual salary of $93,055 in 2026, a figure that reflects local conditions and cost-of-living adjustments. With a salary range spanning from $53,972 to $144,235, aspiring financial professionals can expect varying levels of compensation based on factors such as experience and client base. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, indicate a significant disparity compared to the national median of $108,537, highlighting how Brookings' market influences local pay rates. The growing trend toward fiduciary fee-only services, driven by certified financial planners (CFPs), is shaping the future of the financial advisory profession in this community.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,972 | $25.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,999 | $32.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,055 | $44.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,110 | $57.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,235 | $69.35 |
Median Salary Position
14.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
In Brookings, SD, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,263 (2026 est.). At $93,055, the local median is 14.26% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookings Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Brookings median: $93,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $100,709 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -14.26% less |
Financial Advisors in Brookings, SD earn a median of $93,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.26% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $100,709.
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 financial advisor earning $93,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,275 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,318
2025 BLS Actual
$90,082
2026 Current Est.
$93,055
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,587 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,783 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,303 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,126 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookings metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $75,318 (2019) to $90,082 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,126 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,808 (27.63%) 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 3.30% 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) | $53,972 – $66,999 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,999 – $93,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,055 – $119,110 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,110 – $144,235 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Brookings
While there are only four financial advisors currently working in Brookings, SD, this concentration indicates a niche market that may benefit from localized expertise and personalized service. The cost-of-living index stands at 92.8, which means lower living expenses compared to the national average, enhancing the purchasing power for advisors in the area. Among local employers, independent financial advisory firms, particularly those adhering to a fiduciary model, might offer the most competitive compensation structures. The spread in pay can often be attributed to various factors, including assets under management (AUM) and client demographics. Advisors who hold CFP or CFA credentials tend to have increased earning potential. For those looking to maximize their financial advisor pay in Brookings, focusing on high-net-worth clientele or transitioning from wirehouses may offer substantial rewards due to existing clientele and established reputation.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
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 $90,082 for financial advisorsin the Brookings metropolitan area. A 3.30% 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 3.30%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for financial advisors (SOC 13-2052).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov