Carpenters in Brookings, SD: A Career Analyst's Guide

You’re considering a move to Brookings, South Dakota. As a local career analyst who’s watched this town grow from a quiet college town into a regional hub, I can tell you it’s a unique market for skilled trades. We’re not Sioux Falls or Rapid City. We’re a community anchored by South Dakota State University (SDSU) and a robust agricultural and manufacturing base. For a carpenter, that means a steady, predictable demand for residential construction, commercial renovation, and institutional maintenance—often without the intense competition you’d find in a larger city.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, and local market observations. We’re going beyond national averages to give you a realistic picture of what your life and finances would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Brookings Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. The median salary for carpenters in Brookings is $54,887/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.39/hour. It’s crucial to understand this is a median, meaning half of the carpenters here earn more, and half earn less. The national average for carpenters sits at $56,920/year, so Brookings is slightly below the national curve, but the lower cost of living more than compensates for that gap.

The job market is niche but steady. There are approximately 47 jobs for carpenters in the metro area (Brookings County), with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable. You're not likely to see layoffs, but you're also not going to see a hiring frenzy. The growth is tied to the slow, consistent expansion of the city and the ongoing maintenance of existing structures, from SDSU campus buildings to farm outbuildings.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. These are estimates based on local employer data and BLS percentiles.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$38,000 - $46,000	Framing, basic finish work, site cleanup, assisting journeymen.
Mid-Level	3-7	$48,000 - $60,000	Leading small projects, reading blueprints, complex trim work, formwork.
Senior	8-15	$61,000 - $72,000+	Project management, custom cabinetry, mentoring apprentices, specialty systems.
Expert/Master	15+	$73,000 - $85,000+	Running your own business, complex commercial/ institutional projects, consulting.

How Brookings Compares to Other SD Cities:

• Sioux Falls: Median salary is closer to $60,000/year, but rent for a 1BR is often $900-$1,100/month. The market is larger and more competitive.
• Rapid City: Salaries are similar to Brookings ($55,000/year), but the economy is more tourism-driven and can be seasonal. The cost of living is slightly higher.
• Aberdeen: Median is lower, around $52,000/year, with a smaller job market (fewer than 30 jobs). Brookings offers a better balance of salary and opportunity.

Insider Tip: The $26.39/hour figure is your baseline. Union shops (like those associated with the Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters) can push your rate to $30-$35/hour plus benefits for commercial jobs, which are more common near the SDSU campus and in industrial parks. Always ask about union vs. non-union positions during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is just a starting point. To understand your real purchasing power, we need to factor in South Dakota’s tax structure and the local cost of living.

South Dakota is a low-tax state: No state income tax, low property taxes, and a 4.2% sales tax. This is a major financial advantage.

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single carpenter earning the median salary of $54,887/year ($4,574/month gross).

Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,574	Based on $54,887/year
Taxes (Fed, FICA)	~$820	Estimate; depends on deductions, 401(k), etc.
Take-Home Pay	~$3,754	Your actual cash in hand.
Rent (1BR avg.)	$789	Citywide average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes heat (natural gas, cheap in SD), electric, water.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Comparable to national average.
Transportation	$250 - $350	Gas is cheap (~$3.10/gallon), car insurance is moderate.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Varies widely by employer plan.
Misc./Leisure	$300	Eating out, hobbies, etc.
Remaining/Savings	$1,000 - $1,500	After essentials, you have significant savings potential.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. This is Brookings’ biggest advantage. The median home price in Brookings County is around $250,000 - $275,000. With your take-home pay and low taxes, a mortgage of $1,200-$1,400/month (including taxes and insurance) is very feasible, especially if you have a partner with an income. Many carpenters I know buy homes within their first 3-5 years in the city, often in neighborhoods like Northbrook or Downtown.

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (US avg = 100) means your dollar goes 12% further here than the national average. That median salary of $54,887 feels more like $61,000 in a high-cost area. This is the key reason carpenters thrive here.

Where the Jobs Are: Brookings's Major Employers

The job market here is less about massive construction firms and more about a mix of institutional, commercial, and residential work. Here are the primary employers for carpenters:

1. South Dakota State University (SDSU): The city’s largest employer. They have a full-time facilities maintenance team, including carpenters, for constant repairs, renovations, and new campus construction. They often hire union carpenters for project work. Hiring Trend: Steady. They post jobs on the SDSU careers website roughly 2-3 times per year.

2. Hendrickson Manufacturing: A major industrial employer (truck and trailer parts) based in Brookings. They have in-house maintenance crews that include carpenters for building modifications, warehouse builds, and safety structures. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to the trucking industry. Check their site regularly.

3. Local Residential Builders: Companies like Brookings Homes and Larsen Construction are consistently building new subdivisions (e.g., in the North Brook area). They frame houses, do finish carpentry, and hire subcontractors. Hiring Trend: Strong and consistent, driven by SDSU growth and family moves.

4. Brookings Hospital (Sanford Health): Hospitals require constant, specialized carpentry for clinic remodels, patient room updates, and code-compliant builds. This work requires precision and knowledge of healthcare regulations. Hiring Trend: Steady, with periodic larger renovation projects.

5. City of Brookings Public Works: The city maintains parks, bridges, and public buildings. They have apprenticeships and full-time positions for carpenters working on community projects. Hiring Trend: Very stable, often hiring through civil service exams.

6. Agricultural Sector: Don’t overlook farmsteads and agribusinesses. Companies like Dakota Growers Pasta Co. (part of Campbell Soup) and local farm co-ops need carpenters for outbuildings, grain bins, and processing facility maintenance. Hiring Trend: Consistent, especially for repair and renovation work.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs aren’t advertised. They’re filled through word-of-mouth. Once you’re in town, join the local Carpenters Union Local 770 (covering eastern SD) or attend events at the Brookings Economic Development Corporation. That’s where you’ll hear about projects before they’re public.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota does not have a state-level journeyman carpenter license. This is a significant advantage for entry, as it lowers the barrier to start working.

However, for commercial and institutional work, you will need to be affiliated with a licensed contractor or union, and for electrical/plumbing, you need a separate license. Here’s the practical path:

1. Apprenticeship (Optional but Recommended): The most common path is through a registered apprenticeship program, like the one offered by the Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (Local 770). This is a 4-year program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You earn while you learn, starting at a percentage of journeyman rate (often 50-60%, so ~$13-$16/hour) and progressing to full pay ($26.39+/hour) upon completion.
2. No State Exam Needed: Unlike electricians or plumbers, you don't need to pass a state carpentry test to work. Your skills and reputation are your license.
3. Contractor Licensing (For Business Owners): If you plan to start your own business, you need a South Dakota Contractor’s License from the State Plumbing and Electrical Board. You’ll need to show proof of experience (usually 4 years as a journeyman) and pass an exam. Cost: $200 for the license, plus exam fees ($250).
4. Timeline: You can start working as a carpenter’s helper immediately. If you join an apprenticeship, you’re looking at 4 years to journeyman status. Starting your own business requires at least 4-5 years of documented journeyman experience.

Insider Tip: Even without a state license, getting a OSHA 10 or 30 certification is a huge plus. Many local employers, especially SDSU and Hendrickson, require it. Get it before you move—it’s a $50-$150 investment that pays off.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and social life. Here’s a local’s guide to the best areas for a working carpenter.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Why It's Good for Carpenters
Downtown	Walkable, trendy. 5-10 min drive to most job sites.	$850 - $1,100	Close to bars, restaurants, and the SDSU campus. Easy to network. Best for younger, single carpenters.
North Brook	Newer, family-oriented. 10-15 min drive.	$750 - $950	Where all the new residential construction is happening. You can literally watch your future projects being built.
South Brook	Established, quiet. 10-20 min drive.	$700 - $900	More affordable, great for families. Older homes mean more repair and renovation work.
West Brook	College-area, bustling. 5-15 min drive.	$780 - $950	Close to SDSU and the industrial parks. A mix of student housing and quiet streets.
Campus Area	Student-heavy, lively. 5-10 min drive.	$800 - $1,000	If you work for SDSU, this is the shortest commute. Not ideal for families due to the student population.

Insider Tip: Look for rentals in the "4-H" or "Northview" areas. They’re quiet, have decent parking for your work truck, and are a short, easy drive to the industrial parks where Hendrickson and other manufacturers are located.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% job growth over 10 years tells you this isn’t a boomtown. Growth here is about specialization and moving up, not just more bodies on site.

Specialty Premiums:

• Finish Carpentry & Cabinetry: +15-25% above base rate. High demand for custom work in new homes and SDSU renovations.
• Formwork & Concrete: +10-15% above base rate. Essential for commercial and foundation work.
• Green Building/LEED: A growing niche. With SDSU’s sustainability focus, knowledge of energy-efficient building techniques is a valuable differentiator.
• Project Management: Moving from field work to project management for a builder or facilities team can push your salary to $70,000+.

Advancement Paths:

1. Journeyman -> Foreman: Lead a team on a construction site. Requires leadership and communication skills.
2. Journeyman -> Specialist: Focus on one high-skill area (e.g., historical restoration, metal stud framing).
3. Journeyman -> Business Owner: Start your own small carpentry/contracting business. The local market can support 2-3 person crews, especially if you specialize.
4. Union Path: Become a union steward or business agent for Local 770, working on behalf of carpenters across eastern SD.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable. SDSU’s continued growth (they aim to increase enrollment) will fuel institutional and residential projects. The aging housing stock in older neighborhoods will drive renovation demand. The main risk is a downturn in the agricultural sector, which can slow farmstead construction. However, the diversified economy (higher ed, manufacturing, healthcare) provides a buffer.

Insider Tip: The best long-term move is often to hybridize your skills. A carpenter who also knows basic plumbing, electrical rough-in, or tile setting is invaluable to a small builder. It makes you a one-person crew.

The Verdict: Is Brookings Right for You?

Brookings isn’t for everyone. It’s not a big city, and the social scene is quieter. But for a carpenter who values stability, a low cost of living, and the ability to afford a home, it’s a fantastic choice.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (Index 88.1) and no state income tax.	Job market is smaller (47 jobs), less variety than a major city.
Stable, predictable demand from SDSU and local industry.	5% growth is modest; opportunity for advancement can be slow.
High quality of life with parks, trails, and a safe community.	Social scene is limited; can feel isolated if you’re used to a metropolis.
Ability to buy a home on a carpenter’s salary.	Winters are long and cold; construction can slow from Dec-Feb.
Strong union presence for commercial/ institutional work.	Less exposure to cutting-edge architectural trends.

Final Recommendation:
Move to Brookings if: You are a mid-to-senior level carpenter looking to buy a home, value a quiet and safe community, and want steady work from reputable employers like SDSU or local builders. It’s ideal for career stability over rapid advancement.

Reconsider if: You are a young, entry-level carpenter seeking a wide variety of projects and a buzzing nightlife. You’re better off in Sioux Falls for the first few years.

FAQs

1. What’s the winter construction season like?
It’s real. Outdoor site work (framing, roofing) typically shuts down from late November through March due to snow and cold. However, interior finish carpentry, remodeling, and maintenance work for SDSU and factories continues year-round. You need to budget for 2-3 slower months or find indoor work.

2. Do I need my own work truck and tools?
For residential framing and most small jobs, yes. Employers expect you to have a reliable truck and a basic tool set (your own power tools, saws, etc.). For union commercial jobs, tools are sometimes provided, but having your own is a mark of professionalism. Factor in $10,000-$20,000 for a decent setup.

3. How do I find an apartment quickly?
The rental market is competitive, especially in August when SDSU students move in. Start your search 2-3 months ahead. Look on Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, and contact local realtors like Lands & Associates. Be prepared to sign quickly. The average rent of $789 is accurate, but units go fast.

4. Is it worth joining the union?
For commercial/institutional work, yes. The pay and benefits package (health, pension, annuity) is significantly better than non-union residential work. Local 770 has a strong presence in Brookings. For purely residential work, many small builders operate non-union.

5. What’s the best way to network locally?
Show up. Go