Accountant in Brookings, SD

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the financial heartbeat of South Dakota, I can tell you Brookings offers a unique proposition for accountants. It’s a college town (home to South Dakota State University) with a surprisingly robust manufacturing and agribusiness base, creating steady demand for financial talent. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the data-driven, on-the-ground reality of building an accounting career here.

We’ll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world costs. Let’s get started.

The Salary Picture: Where Brookings Stands

First, the hard numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the accounting profession in Brookings is stable but not skyrocketing. The median salary for an Accountant in Brookings is $83,006 per year. That translates to an hourly rate of $39.91. This is slightly below the national average for Accountants, which is $86,080 per year. However, the cost of living in Brookings is significantly lower, making that salary go much further—more on that later.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Brookings market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Brookings Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$58,000 - $68,000	Often starts in staff accountant or AP/AR roles. Strong demand from local manufacturers.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$72,000 - $92,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Specialist. This is where you see the median salary.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Often leads a small team or is a controller at a mid-sized local firm.
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$125,000+	Controller, CFO, or partner at a local CPA firm. Highly competitive.

How Brookings Compares to Other SD Cities:
Brookings sits comfortably in the middle of the pack for South Dakota accounting salaries.

• Sioux Falls: The state's financial hub. Salaries are 10-15% higher here, with more roles in corporate finance and larger firms. However, the cost of living, especially housing, is also higher.
• Rapid City: Similar to Brookings in many ways, but with a stronger service and tourism sector. Salaries are generally comparable.
• Aberdeen & Watertown: Smaller markets. Salaries can be 5-10% lower than Brookings, with fewer specialized roles.

The key takeaway: Brookings offers a strong middle-ground salary, paired with an exceptionally low cost of living. The Jobs in Metro: 47 figure from the BLS indicates a tight but active job market. You won't see hundreds of openings at once, but turnover is low, and demand is consistent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground that $83,006 median salary in reality. South Dakota has a unique financial advantage: no state income tax. This is a significant boost to your take-home pay compared to neighboring states like Minnesota or Iowa.

Using a simple tax calculator (federal taxes only, assuming single filing status, standard deduction), your monthly take-home pay would be approximately $5,100.

Now, let's layer in housing. The average 1BR rent in Brookings is $789/month. This is a game-changer.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $83,006:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,100	After federal taxes.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$789	Well below the national average.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, heat, internet.
Groceries	$400	Brookings has a reasonable cost for groceries.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Average for a new or slightly used car.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer plan.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$1,000	Entertainment, dining out, savings, etc.
Total Expenses	$3,189
Remaining for Savings/Investment	$1,911	A very healthy savings rate.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With nearly $2,000 left after a comfortable budget, saving for a down payment is realistic. The Cost of Living Index for Brookings is 88.1 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to healthcare is about 12% cheaper than the national average. While home prices have risen, the median home value in Brookings is around $270,000. A 20% down payment is $54,000. With the savings rate shown above, you could save that in about 2.5 years, assuming no major lifestyle changes.

Where the Jobs Are: Brookings's Major Employers

The job market here is defined by three pillars: manufacturing, agribusiness, and education. Don't expect the big-four CPA firms to have major offices here; the landscape is dominated by local and regional firms, plus the internal accounting departments of major employers.

Here are the key players:

1. 3M Brookings: This is the largest employer in the city. They manufacture everything from reflective signage to medical products. The finance and accounting team here is sizable, handling everything from cost accounting for manufacturing lines to corporate reporting. They value precision and efficiency. Hiring trends show steady need for staff accountants and cost analysts, especially those familiar with manufacturing environments.

2. Daktronics: A global leader in electronic scoreboards and display systems. Their financial operations are complex, involving international sales, project accounting, and inventory management. They often hire accountants with a tech or manufacturing focus. The culture is very much a "work-hard, play-hard" tech company vibe.

3. South Dakota State University (SDSU): As a major public university, SDSU has a huge internal finance department. Roles range from grant accountants (managing federal research funds) to payroll specialists and budget analysts. The benefits are typically excellent, including tuition remission for employees and their families. Hiring is cyclical, tied to the academic calendar and state funding cycles.

4. Brookings Health System: The city's primary hospital and clinic network. They need accountants familiar with healthcare finance, revenue cycle management, and compliance. The healthcare industry is always hiring for its stability and specialized accounting needs.

5. Local & Regional CPA Firms: Firms like Buechel, Kerr, and Swenson or The Olson Group handle the majority of local tax and audit work for businesses, farms, and individuals. These are great places to start or build a career, offering a front-row seat to the local economy. They often hire directly from SDSU's accounting program.

6. Agribusiness Giants: Companies like Dakota Growers Pasta (now part of a larger conglomerate) and various regional co-ops and ethanol plants have significant financial operations. Expertise in agricultural commodities, inventory valuation, and cost accounting is highly valued here.

Insider Tip: The "hidden" job market in Brookings is strong. Many positions are filled through networking at events hosted by the South Dakota Society of CPAs (SDSCPA) or through personal connections. Attending a local Business After Hours event can be more effective than applying online.

Getting Licensed in SD

To practice as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in South Dakota, you must meet the state's specific requirements, which are largely based on the "150-hour rule."

Requirements & Costs:

• Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum, but you need 150 semester hours of college credit to get licensed. Most candidates achieve this via a 5-year combined bachelor's/master's program or by taking extra courses post-graduation.
• Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). Exam fees are approximately $1,000 total (varies by state).
• Experience: You need one year of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry (like 3M or Daktronics), or government.
• Ethics Exam: South Dakota requires passing the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam (approximately $150).
• Licensing Fee: The initial license fee is $200.

Timeline to Get Started:
If you're starting from scratch with a bachelor's degree in accounting (120 hours), the full path typically takes 2-3 years.

1. Year 1: Complete the remaining 30 hours (often through a Master of Accountancy program at SDSU or online), study for and pass the CPA exam.
2. Year 2: Complete one year of supervised work experience (the clock starts once you have the required education and have passed one exam section).
3. Year 3: Apply for the license after meeting all requirements.

Cost Summary (Approximate): Education (varies widely) + $1,000 (Exam) + $150 (Ethics) + $200 (License) = $1,350 in direct licensing costs (excluding education).

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Brookings is a very walkable, bike-friendly city. Commutes are rarely an issue, but lifestyle preferences vary.

1. Downtown/CBD: The heart of the action. Walking distance to cafes, restaurants, and the SDSU campus. Ideal for young professionals who want an urban feel. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,100. You'll be closer to the CPA firms and the administrative offices of downtown businesses.
2. South Brookings (near SDSU): Popular with university staff, graduate students, and young professionals. Quiet, established neighborhoods with older homes and tree-lined streets. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $900. A great balance of convenience and residential calm.
3. North Brookings (near 3M): This area is more suburban, with newer developments and family-oriented amenities. It's a short commute to the 3M plant and the industrial parks. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950. The go-to choice for those working at the major manufacturing employers.
4. East Brookings: This area is growing, with new apartment complexes and housing subdivisions. Offers a more modern, suburban feel with easy access to major retail corridors. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,000. Ideal for those who prioritize new construction and amenities.
5. West Brookings: This area is generally more affordable and has a mix of older, well-kept homes. It's a bit farther from the core downtown and SDSU but offers excellent value. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $850. A smart choice for those looking to maximize their savings.

Insider Tip: Brookings has very distinct neighborhoods. Drive through them at different times of day before deciding. The difference between the quiet, residential West Side and the bustling East Side near the university is palpable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a market like Brookings, career growth is less about rapid promotion and more about specialization and building deep local networks.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary premiums are in cost accounting (for manufacturing), tax planning for agriculture, and healthcare finance. Getting a CPA license is the single most important credential for advancement. An internal audit certification (CIA) can also be valuable for roles at larger employers like 3M or Daktronics.
• Advancement Paths: A typical path might be: Staff Accountant (2-3 years) -> Senior Accountant (3-5 years) -> Accounting Manager or Controller (5-10 years). The jump to CFO is rare unless you join a very large local company or a fast-growing startup. Many successful accountants in Brookings eventually partner with a local CPA firm or start their own small practice serving the agricultural and small business community.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth for accountants in Brookings is projected at 4%. This is slower than the national average but reflects the stable, mature nature of the local economy. Growth will come from retirements and the expansion of existing businesses like Daktronics and the healthcare system, not from a booming tech startup scene. Your job security, however, is high.

The Verdict: Is Brookings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.	Limited Job Market: Only 47 jobs in the metro. You must be patient and strategic.
No State Income Tax: A direct boost to your net worth.	Slower Salary Growth: Raises and promotions happen, but not as fast as in major metros.
Strong Job Security: Dominated by stable industries (manufacturing, education).	Few Specialized Roles: Less variety in accounting niches (e.g., no big mergers & acquisitions).
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, outdoor recreation, community focus.	Cultural & Nightlife Limitations: It's a college town, but not a major urban center.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, family-friendly, with a strong sense of community.	Can Be "Closed" Socially: Building a network takes time as a newcomer.

Final Recommendation:
Brookings is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize stability, affordability, and quality of life over constant career hustle and high-octane salary growth. It's perfect for those who want to buy a home early, have a family, or enjoy outdoor hobbies. It is less ideal for those seeking the fastest possible career trajectory or who crave the anonymity and amenities of a large city. If you value financial security and a tight-knit community, Brookings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for non-CPAs in Brookings?
It's competitive, but not cutthroat. Many staff accountant and bookkeeping roles don't require a CPA, especially at smaller companies. However, the CPA license is the key to unlocking the most senior and highest-paying roles. Having your CPA will put you at the top of the pile for any serious accounting position.

2. Is a car necessary in Brookings?
For most people, yes. While the downtown and campus areas are walkable, the major employers (3M, Daktronics) are on the outskirts, and the weather can be harsh in winter. The public bus system is limited. If you live and work downtown, you might manage without one, but a car provides essential flexibility.

3. What's the biggest challenge for a new accountant moving to Brookings?
The biggest challenge is often social and professional integration. The market is small and relationship-driven. It can take time to build a network outside of your immediate workplace. Actively joining the SDSCPA, attending local business events, and getting involved in community organizations are crucial steps to speed up this process.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside Brookings while living there?
Absolutely, and this is a growing trend. With a low cost of living and good internet infrastructure, you can work for a Sioux Falls-based firm or even a national company while enjoying Brookings' lifestyle. This can be a strategic way to access higher salaries (closer to the Sioux Falls or national average) while paying Brookings rent.

5. How does the cost of living index of 88.1 break down?
The 88.1 index means Brookings is 11.9% cheaper than the U.S. average. Housing is the biggest driver of this, with costs about 20-25% below the national average. Healthcare, utilities, and groceries are also notably cheaper. Transportation and goods/services are roughly in line with the national average.