The Brookings Graphic Designer's Career Guide

If you're a graphic designer considering a move to Brookings, you're looking at a city that defies the typical "big city career" narrative. As someone who's watched this college town evolve over the years, I can tell you Brookings offers a unique blend of affordability, community, and steady opportunity. It's not a design mecca like Minneapolis or Denver, but for a designer who values quality of life over endless networking events, it's a compelling choice.

This guide cuts through the fluff. We'll use hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), state agencies, and local market observations to give you a clear, unvarnished look at what your career looks like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Brookings Stands

Let's get right to the numbers, because in a cost-conscious market like South Dakota, every dollar counts. According to the most recent BLS data, the median salary for graphic designers in the Brookings metropolitan area is $59,150 per year, translating to an hourly rate of $28.44. This is slightly below the national average of $61,340/year, but the lower cost of living more than compensates for that difference.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. The metro area supports approximately 47 graphic design jobs with a 10-year job growth projection of 3%. This isn't a boomtown for designers, but it's a reliable market. The key is understanding where you fit into that spectrum.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Brookings)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $50,000	Production work, basic logo creation, social media graphics, following brand guidelines.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,000 - $65,000	Leading projects, client presentations, brand development, mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$65,000 - $75,000	Art direction, complex campaign strategy, high-level client management.
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	$75,000+	Department leadership, specialized expertise (e.g., motion design, UX/UI), business development.

Comparison to Other SD Cities:

• Sioux Falls: Larger market, higher salaries (median ~$63,500), but also higher competition and cost of living.
• Rapid City: Similar salary range to Brookings (~$58,000), with a tourism-driven design niche.
• Aberdeen: Smaller market, salaries often $5,000-$7,000 below Brookings due to fewer corporate employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is meaningless without context. Let's break down the monthly reality for a designer earning the Brookings median of $59,150.

Assumptions:

• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% effective rate (married filing jointly, standard deduction)
• Rent: $789/month (average 1BR, per local rental data)
• Utilities, Insurance, Transportation: Estimated

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,929	$59,150 / 12
Take-Home Pay (after taxes)	~$3,845	Est. 22% deduction
Average 1BR Rent	$789	Citywide average
Utilities (Elec, Heat, Internet)	$180	Brookings has cold winters; heating costs are a factor.
Groceries	$350	For one person.
Car Insurance/Gas	$250	Brookings is car-dependent. No real public transit.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$385	Strongly recommended.
Miscellaneous	$500	Entertainment, dining, etc.
TOTAL	$2,754
Remaining	$1,091

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The Brookings housing market is one of its biggest draws. As of late 2023, the median home price in Brookings was approximately $250,000. With a $1,091 monthly surplus, a designer could save a 20% down payment ($50,000) in about 4-5 years, or much faster with aggressive saving or a dual-income household. A mortgage on a $250k home (with 10% down) would be roughly $1,600/month, including taxes and insurance—very manageable on the $59,150 salary, especially with a partner's income.

Where the Jobs Are: Brookings's Major Employers

Brookings' design job market is anchored by a few key sectors: higher education, agriculture tech, and regional corporate headquarters. You won't find 100-person design agencies here, but you will find stable, full-time roles with benefits.

1. South Dakota State University (SDSU): The city's largest employer. The university's marketing department, athletics, and various colleges (Agriculture, Engineering, Journalism) all need in-house designers. Hiring is cyclical, often tied to the academic calendar. Insider Tip: Positions are posted on the SDSU career portal. Knowledge of university branding guidelines is a plus.

2. 3M Brookings: A major manufacturing presence. Their in-house team handles product packaging, technical illustrations, internal communications, and trade show graphics. This is a corporate environment with structured career paths and excellent benefits.

3. Daktronics: A world leader in electronic scoreboard and display systems. Their marketing team needs designers for product brochures, website graphics, and sales presentations. This is a dynamic, tech-forward company, a rarity in South Dakota.

4. Brookings Health System: The regional hospital and clinic network requires a designer for patient education materials, community health campaigns, and internal communications. It's a stable, mission-driven employer.

5. Citizens State Bank / First Bank & Trust (Regional HQs): Local banks need designers for marketing collateral, website updates, and branch signage. These roles often blend graphic design with basic marketing coordination.

6. Local Agencies & Freelancers: The market supports 2-3 small design/marketing agencies (like Peak Design Group or Brookings Marketing & Advertising). These are often the best shops for portfolio building but may offer lower starting pay. Many designers also build successful freelance careers serving local businesses and remote clients.

Hiring Trends: There's a slow but steady demand for designers who are also proficient in UI/UX principles and digital marketing. Pure print design roles are shrinking; versatility is key.

Getting Licensed in SD

Good news: South Dakota has no state-specific licensing requirements for graphic designers. You do not need a state license to practice.

What You Do Need:

• A Strong Portfolio: This is your #1 credential. It must be current and tailored to the industries you're targeting (e.g., include agriculture tech work if applying to 3M or SDSU's Ag college).
• Business Registration (if Freelancing): If you plan to freelance, you'll need to register as a sole proprietorship or LLC with the South Dakota Secretary of State. The filing fee is $150 for an LLC (as of 2024). You can do this online at sos.sd.gov.
• Sales Tax Permit: If you sell tangible goods (like printed materials) or certain digital products, you must register for a Sales Tax Permit with the South Dakota Department of Revenue. The process is free and can be done online.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Portfolio Polish: 1-2 months. Tailor it for Brookings employers.
2. Job Search: Begin applying 3-4 months before a planned move. Use Indeed.com, LinkedIn, and the SDSU and local government job boards.
3. Business Setup (if Freelance): 1-2 weeks after deciding to go solo.
4. Relocation: Plan for a 2-3 month job search buffer after moving, unless you have a remote job secured.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Brookings is a compact, easy-to-navigate city. Commutes are short (10-15 minutes max), so your neighborhood choice is more about lifestyle and budget than a work commute.

1. Downtown (Central): The heart of the action. Walkable to cafes, the local bookstore (Prairie Pages), and the Brookings Arts Council. Mostly older houses and some apartments. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR. Best for young professionals who want to be near everything.

2. Campus Area (Near SDSU): Energetic, student-focused vibe. Older homes converted to apartments, lots of rental properties. Can be noisy during the school year. Rent Estimate: $650 - $800/month for a 1BR. Ideal if you're attending SDSU for a degree or enjoy a youthful atmosphere.

3. West Side / Historic District: Quieter, residential streets with beautiful older homes (many from the early 1900s). More families and long-term residents. Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month. A great choice if you want space and a established neighborhood feel.

4. South Side / Newer Developments: Modern apartment complexes and newer single-family homes. More car-dependent, but offers amenities like in-unit laundry and gyms. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month. Best for those seeking newer construction and convenience.

5. North Side / Industrial Adjacent: Closer to the 3M and Daktronics plants. Very practical, less "charming," but extremely convenient for employees at those companies. Rent Estimate: $650 - $750/month. A strategic choice for a designer targeting those specific employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The path in Brookings is less about jumping to a bigger firm and more about deepening expertise and taking on leadership.

Specialty Premiums:

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing: This is a significant premium. Designers who can create animated social media ads or simple explainer videos can command $5,000-$10,000 above the median salary.
• UI/UX Design: As companies like Daktronics and local tech startups grow, this skill is becoming critical. Expect a 10-15% salary premium over a traditional graphic design role.
• Print Production Management: With fewer print shops, a designer who understands offset printing, large-format, and vendor management is invaluable to in-house teams.

Advancement Paths:

1. In-House Ladder: Junior Designer → Designer → Senior Designer → Art Director/Marketing Manager. SDSU and large corporations offer the clearest path here.
2. Agency to Freelance: Start at a local agency to build a portfolio and client list, then go independent. Successful freelancers often earn $70,000+ by serving a mix of local and remote clients.
3. Niche Specialization: Become the go-to designer for a specific industry (e.g., agricultural tech, healthcare, higher ed). This builds a reputation that transcends geography.

10-Year Outlook:
The 3% growth rate indicates stability, not revolution. The designer who will thrive in Brookings over the next decade is one who is technically versatile (web, motion, UI) and strategically minded. The rise of remote work is a double-edged sword: it brings more competition but also allows Brookings-based designers to tap into higher-paying national markets while enjoying the low cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Brookings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes 30-40% further than in a major metro.	Limited Job Market: Only 47 design jobs total. You must be strategic.
Ability to Buy a Home: A realistic goal on a designer's salary.	Fewer Networking Opportunities: Fewer design meetups, conferences, and agencies.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, family-friendly, with a strong sense of community.	Cultural Offerings are Modest: Think local theater and university events, not major museums or concerts.
Stable Employers: 3M, SDSU, and Daktronics provide job security.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is non-existent. You will drive everywhere.
Gateway to Nature: Easy access to lakes, parks, and outdoor recreation.	Weather: Harsh, long winters can be a significant adjustment.

Final Recommendation:
Brookings is an excellent choice for a graphic designer at the mid-career stage who is tired of the grind and high costs of city life. It's ideal if you value stability, want to own a home, and are motivated to build a niche or freelance business. It's not the best choice for a recent graduate seeking a vibrant, competitive design scene with endless entry-level roles. If you're a self-starter who can leverage remote work, Brookings can be a launchpad to a comfortable, debt-free life.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market in Brookings?
A: It's competitive but in a different way. For the few full-time, in-house roles that open up (e.g., at SDSU or 3M), you may compete with a pool of 20-50 qualified applicants. However, many of those applicants are generalists. If you have a specialized skill (UI/UX, motion), your competition shrinks dramatically.

Q: Can I make a living as a freelance graphic designer in Brookings?
A: Yes, but it requires hustle. The local client base is small. The most successful Brookings freelancers have a hybrid model: 60% local clients (banks, hospitals, small businesses) and 40% remote clients sourced through online platforms. Expect to earn $65,000 - $85,000 after building a solid reputation over 2-3 years.

Q: What's the internet speed like? Is it good for remote work?
A: Brookings has excellent broadband. Sioux Valley Energy and Midco offer high-speed fiber and cable options with speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is more than adequate for remote design work and video calls.

Q: Are there any design communities or meetups?
A: The community is small but connected. The Brookings Arts Council occasionally hosts design-focused workshops. The real networking happens through the SDSU Graphic Design alumni network and informal meetups. For a more robust design community, many Brookings designers connect virtually with the larger scene in Sioux Falls (about an hour's drive).

Q: What's the biggest surprise for designers moving to Brookings?
A: The number of corporate, in-house design roles. Many assume a college town only has university jobs. In reality, the concentration of major manufacturers (3M, Daktronics) and regional headquarters creates a surprising need for corporate designers—a niche that pays well and offers stability not always found in agency life.