Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Brookings, SD: $31,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Brookings, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,314 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookings's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,744 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,973) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, new real estate graduates can expect an entry-level real estate agent salary starting around $31,314, a figure that may feel modest compared to the city median of $45,973. This gap of approximately $14,659 reflects not only entry-level challenges but also the potential for growth as one gains experience. Within the first three to five years, agents can anticipate moving up their salary ladder, with projections indicating a jump to around $36,159 at the P25 level, and potentially reaching the median salary as they establish their careers. With an annual growth rate of 1.50% projected for the industry, Brookings represents a viable market for newcomers eager to begin their professional journey in real estate.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookings
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Entry-level real estate agents in Brookings, SD typically start between $31,314 and $36,159 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,945 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,973 — 14.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in South Dakota of $1,200 represents just 3.83% of the starting real estate agent pay ($31,314/year) in Brookings. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates include state-mandated pre-licensing courses, exam fees, background checks, initial license, and MLS/NAR dues. Agents typically pay for business expenses themselves. Brokers require additional experience and post-licensing education.
REA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brookings
- 1Research the Brookings market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $31,314 to $36,159, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the real estate field — employers in SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookings, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brookings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookings's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Real Estate Agent Compensation Range
The real estate agent wage spread in Brookings is $39,945 ( 127.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,314, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,259.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,328
2025 BLS Actual
$30,851
2026 Current Est.
$31,314
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,258 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,783 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Brookings, SD grew 32.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,328 in 2019 to $30,851 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,783. New graduates entering the Brookings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your real estate Career in Brookings
Many employers in Brookings, including national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker, actively seek new graduates. These companies typically offer structured training and mentorship, especially for new agents starting as buyer's agents. While commercial real estate operates under different dynamics, opportunities are available for those willing to undergo longer training cycles. Gaining credentials such as the state real estate sales license is essential—this requires completion of 60-180 hours of pre-license coursework and passing a state exam. Additionally, designations from the National Association of Realtors, including the REALTOR® trademark, enhance earning potential. Given the ongoing structural changes in commission payouts following the 2024 NAR settlement, new agents should focus on developing a strong base of clients and networking to bridge the gap in income realization, knowing that the top performers in the industry capture a significant portion of commission income.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for real estate agents in Brookings in 2026?
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Is real estate school worth it in Brookings?
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How do I become a real estate agent in South Dakota?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new real estate graduates. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brookings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov