Electrician in Brookings, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Brookings Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're deciding where to live and work. For an electrician in Brookings, South Dakota, the median salary is $59,352 per year, or about $28.53 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550 for electricians, but it's crucial to view this in the local context. Brookings isn't a sprawling metropolis; it's a mid-sized, university-driven town where the cost of living is a significant advantage. A dollar goes much further here than in Minneapolis or Chicago, which can make that $59,352 salary feel more like $75,000 in a high-cost area.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 71 electrician jobs in the metro area (a figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, metro-level data). The 10-year job growth projection for electricians in South Dakota is 11%, slightly lower than the national average but still positive, driven by ongoing construction, infrastructure upgrades, and the need for maintenance in residential and commercial sectors.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience in the Brookings market. These are estimates based on local job postings, union scales, and industry reports, anchored to the provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Brookings
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Residential wiring, basic troubleshooting, assisting journeymen on commercial sites. Often starts in new construction with builders like those in the Sunset Ridge area.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$59,352 (Median) - $68,000	Independent service calls, commercial installations (e.g., at South Dakota State University), panel upgrades, and code compliance inspections.
Senior (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $80,000+	Project supervision, complex commercial/industrial work (e.g., at Daktronics), mentoring apprentices, and specializing in systems like data centers or renewable energy.
Expert/Master (15+ years)	$80,000 - $95,000+	Owns a business, manages large-scale projects (e.g., hospital expansions), consults on code, and may teach at Southeast Technical College.

Compared to other South Dakota cities, Brookings sits in a middle ground. Sioux Falls, the state's largest metro, offers higher median salaries (closer to $65,000) but also higher housing costs. Rapid City has a similar median to Brookings but with a different industry mix (more tourism-related work). The advantage in Brookings is stability and a lower barrier to entry, especially for apprentices starting out.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $59,352 salary sounds solid, but the real question is: what’s left after taxes and living expenses? Brookings is a budget-friendly place to live, which is a major draw. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $59,352 / 12 = $4,946
• Taxes (Est. 25% for SD/ Fed): ~$1,236/month (SD has a progressive income tax, but this is a rough estimate for a single filer).
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,710/month
• Average 1BR Rent in Brookings: $789/month (from local real estate listings and rental market reports).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes & Brookings-Specific Insight
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$789	This is for a decent place in a safe neighborhood. You can find studios for ~$650 or 2BRs for ~$950.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Brookings has a municipal utility (Brookings Municipal Utilities), which can keep costs stable. Winter heating bills will be higher.
Groceries	$350	Brookings has a Hy-Vee, a Walmart, and local markets. Prices are typical for the Midwest.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential. Public transit is limited. A reliable truck or van is a tool of the trade. Insurance rates are lower than national averages.
Fuel	$150	Commuting within the city is short, but you may drive to rural jobsites or neighboring towns.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies widely. This is a typical share for a single person on an employer plan.
Discretionary Spending	$500	This covers entertainment, dining out, and savings. Brookings has a good local scene (craft breweries, concerts at the Swiftel Center).
Savings/Retirement	$500	This is critical. Aim for 10-15% of your take-home pay. A 401(k) or IRA is a must.
Total Monthly Expenses	~$3,139
Monthly Surplus	~$571	This buffer allows for savings, unexpected car repairs, or a vacation.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Brookings is around $250,000 - $275,000. With a $59,352 salary, a down payment of 10-20% ($25k-$55k) is challenging but achievable with disciplined saving over a few years. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $250,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $1,500 - $1,600, which is higher than rent but manageable. Many electricians buy starter homes in neighborhoods like Prairie Pines or Sunset Ridge.

Insider Tip: Many local electrical contractors offer profit-sharing or bonus structures, especially for senior electricians who take on project management roles. This can push your total compensation above the base median. Always ask about this during interviews.

Where the Jobs Are: Brookings's Major Employers

The Brookings job market for electricians is anchored by a mix of institutional, industrial, and residential construction. Here are the key players:

1. South Dakota State University (SDSU): The state's largest university is a massive employer. They have a facilities and maintenance department that hires electricians for campus-wide projects—from dormitory renovations to lab upgrades in the Agricultural Heritage Museum. Hiring is often seasonal (summer projects) but steady.
2. Daktronics: A global leader in electronic scoreboards and display systems headquartered right in Brookings. They need electricians for their manufacturing plant and for installation projects across the country. This is a high-tech industrial environment that values precision work.
3. Brookings Health System: The local hospital and clinics require specialized electricians for critical systems, backup generators, and medical gas line installations. This work often requires additional certifications and offers premium pay.
4. Major Local Contractors: Firms like Hurlburt Construction and Hosman & Sons are the backbone of the residential and commercial building scene. They are consistently hiring electricians for new subdivisions like Vintage Hills and commercial projects downtown.
5. City of Brookings: The municipal government employs electricians for street lighting, water treatment plant maintenance, and public facility wiring. These are stable, union-eligible jobs with excellent benefits.
6. Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC): While not a direct employer, BEDC actively recruits new businesses. Recent wins like 3M (which has a large facility in town) and Sioux Falls Steel create indirect demand for electrical contractors who service these industrial complexes.
7. Residential Electricians: Many electricians work for small, local shops that serve the booming housing market. With new developments in Brookings County, this sector is active. Insider Tip: Many of these shops are family-run. Building a relationship with the owner is key to getting hired.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward electricians with skills in energy efficiency (LED retrofits, smart thermostats) and fiber optic/data cabling. SDSU's tech-focused curriculum and Daktronics' needs are driving this demand.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota's licensing is straightforward but requires commitment. The South Dakota Board of Technical Professions oversees this.

Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program. This is typically done through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 61 (based in Sioux Falls, but serving all of SD) or a non-union apprenticeship registered with the state.
2. Education: Complete a related electrical training program. Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls offers a respected program, and South Dakota State University has continuing education courses.
3. Exam: Pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the National Electrical Code). The exam is administered by the state board.
4. Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150. Application fee is $100. Total initial licensure cost: ~$250 (plus apprenticeship tuition, which varies).
5. Timeline: From starting an apprenticeship to getting your journeyman license, expect 4-5 years. For a Master Electrician license (required to pull permits and run your own business), you need an additional 2 years of experience as a journeyman and must pass the Master Electrician exam.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state, South Dakota has reciprocity agreements with many states (including Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa). You must still apply and pay fees, but you may not need to re-take the full exam. Contact the SD Board of Technical Professions directly for your specific case.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Brookings is compact, so commutes are short, but neighborhoods vary.

1. Downtown Brookings: The heart of the city. You're close to SDSU, local breweries like Dakota Prairie Brewing, and the Children's Museum of South Dakota. Rent for a 1BR is higher, around $900-$1,100. Ideal for a young, single electrician who wants to walk to everything.
2. Prairie Pines / Salem Court: A popular, family-friendly area with well-kept homes and apartments. Close to Brookings High School and South Dakota State University. Excellent for electricians with families. Rent for a 2BR is $850-$1,000. A 10-minute commute to most job sites.
3. Sunset Ridge / Valley View: Newer developments on the west side of town. Features modern apartments and single-family homes. Slightly longer commute to downtown (15 minutes) but quieter, with easy access to retail (Hy-Vee, Target). Rent: $800-$950 for a 1BR/2BR.
4. University Area: Near SDSU, with a mix of older apartments and student housing. Offers a vibrant, energetic atmosphere and is very walkable. Rent can be cheaper ($700-$850 for a 1BR) but parking can be a challenge during the school year. Good for apprentices who want to be near the community college or training centers.
5. North Brookings / Rural Fringe: For those who want a bit more space. Rent is lower ($600-$750 for a 1BR or a small house), but you'll rely on a car. Commutes are still under 20 minutes. This is where many electricians buy their first homes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Brookings long-term is a viable and rewarding path. The 11% 10-year growth ensures steady demand, but specialization is where you increase your value.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Industrial Electrician (Daktronics, 3M): Can command 10-15% above the median salary due to complex controls and safety protocols.
  • Low-Voltage/Network Cabling: With SDSU's and Daktronics' tech needs, electricians with data certification can earn a 5-10% premium.
  • Renewable Energy: South Dakota has a growing wind and solar sector. Electricians with expertise in solar panel installation are in high demand and can work statewide.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Foreman: Oversee a crew on a commercial project. Pay jumps to the senior level.
  2. Foreman to Project Manager: Manage budgets, timelines, and client relations for a contracting firm. Often requires additional business training.
  3. Start Your Own Business: The ultimate goal. With a Master Electrician license, you can open your own shop. The low cost of living and stable housing market make this a less risky venture than in large cities.
  4. Teaching/Training: With experience, you can become an instructor at Southeast Technical College or a certified trainer for the IBEW.

10-Year Outlook: The core demand will remain in residential and commercial construction, but the growth area is in maintenance and upgrades. As Brookings' infrastructure ages (much of it built in the 1970s-80s), there will be a wave of panel replacements, energy retrofits, and code updates. An electrician who positions themselves as an expert in these areas will be busy for decades.

The Verdict: Is Brookings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $59,352 salary stretches much further than in most cities.	Limited Nightlife: It's a college town, but it's not a major urban center. Options are more about community than clubbing.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by SDSU and a growing industrial base (Daktronics, 3M).	Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy winters from November to March can be a challenge for outdoor work.
Short Commutes: You can live and work anywhere in the metro area within 15-20 minutes.	Smaller Network: The community is tight-knit. Building professional connections takes time but is rewarding.
Strong Community: Family-friendly, safe, and a great place to raise kids.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end pay may not reach levels of major metros, but the lower cost of living balances this.
Outdoor Access: Nearby lakes, parks, and bike trails for recreation.	Dependence on a Car: Public transit is minimal. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.
Union Presence: IBEW Local 61 offers organized work with strong benefits.	Seasonal Work Fluctuations: Residential construction can slow in winter, though commercial work is year-round.

Final Recommendation: Brookings is an outstanding choice for electricians who value financial stability, work-life balance, and community over a high-flying, high-cost urban lifestyle. It's particularly well-suited for those early in their careers (mid-level and below) or those looking to start a family. The path to buying a home is clear, and the job market is resilient. If you're an electrician who thrives in a hands-on, practical environment and wants to be an integral part of a growing community, Brookings should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

Q: What’s the job market like for an electrician who isn’t from South Dakota?
A: It’s very welcoming. The local industry is aware that South Dakota doesn’t produce enough electricians to meet demand. Your out-of-state experience is a plus. Be prepared to understand SD’s specific building codes, which are based on the NEC but can have local amendments. Your first step should be contacting the SD Board of Technical Professions to understand reciprocity.

Q: Is it worth joining the IBEW Local 61?
A: For many, yes. The union offers structured wage scales (often $35-$45/hour for journeymen, which is $72,800-$93,600/year—well above the median), excellent health benefits, and a pension. The trade-off is union dues and potential for limited non-union work. In a town like Brookings, union and non-union shops coexist, so it's a personal choice based on your career goals.

Q: How do the seasons affect an electrician’s work in Brookings?
A: Winters are slow for residential new construction but can be busy for commercial projects and service calls (heating systems, holiday lighting). Spring and summer are the peak building seasons. Smart electricians budget for the slower winter months or seek commercial maintenance work.

Q: What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship here?
A: The IBEW Local 61 apprenticeship is the most structured path. Applications are typically open in the spring. For non-union, check with local contractors directly or through Southeast Technical College, which can connect you with employers. Insider Tip: Get your OSHA 10 certification before you apply—it shows you’re serious and safety-minded.

Q: Can I live in Brookings without a truck?
A: Technically, yes, but it’s a major