Plumber in Brookings, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Brookings Stands

If you're thinking about calling Brookings home as a plumber, the first thing to do is run the numbers. The local market is stable but not booming, which can be a good thing for work-life balance. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry reports, the median salary for a plumber in Brookings is $61,088 per year. This translates to an hourly wage of $29.37. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living.

The job market itself is modest. There are approximately 47 plumbing jobs in the metro area (Brookings County). While that number may seem low, it reflects a stable, non-competitive market where skilled tradespeople are valued and less likely to be undercut. Over the last decade, the region has seen a 10-year job growth of 6%, which is steady and positive, aligning with the national trend of an aging infrastructure and a shortage of skilled trades.

Here’s how that median salary breaks down by experience level in the Brookings context:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Brookings)	Hourly Rate Estimate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $50,000	$20.19 - $24.04
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$68,000 - $78,000	$32.69 - $37.50
Expert/Supervisor (10+ yrs)	$80,000+	$38.46+

How does this compare to other South Dakota cities?

• Sioux Falls: The state's largest metro, with a higher cost of living, typically pays 10-15% above the Brookings median. You’ll find more commercial and industrial work, but also more competition.
• Rapid City: Salaries are comparable to Brookings, but the market is heavily influenced by tourism (hotels, resorts) and the nearby Ellsworth AFB expansion.
• Aberdeen: Very similar to Brookings in both pay and market size, often with a focus on agricultural and residential work.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base number. Many local shops, especially those serving agribusinesses, offer overtime, seasonal bonuses, and take-home vehicles, which can boost your total compensation significantly.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The Brookings advantage is crystal clear when you run a monthly budget. The cost of living index is 88.1 (U.S. average = 100), meaning your dollar stretches about 12% further here than the national average. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $789/month.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary of $61,088/year. We'll assume a relatively standard tax rate for a single filer (state and federal combined at ~22%), which is a conservative estimate.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $61,088 / 12 = $5,090.67
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (22%): -$1,120.00
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $3,970.67

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR avg.)	$789	Well below national averages. You can find quality units near downtown or campus.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, gas, water, internet. Winters are cold; heating costs are a factor.
Groceries	$350	Reasonable for a single person or a couple. Local options include Hy-Vee and Lewis Food Market.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer; this is a common premium contribution.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential in Brookings. Public transit is limited.
Retirement Savings	$400	Aim for 10% of gross income. Many local companies offer a 401(k) match.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$431	Discretionary spending for dining, hobbies, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,970
Remaining Cash Flow	$1,000.67

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a monthly surplus of over $1,000, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Brookings County hovers around $265,000. A 20% down payment is $53,000. At the rate of saving $1,000/month, that’s achievable in just over 4 years. A plumber with a mid-career salary and good credit could comfortably qualify for a mortgage payment on a starter home (estimated $1,400-$1,600/month including taxes and insurance).

Where the Jobs Are: Brookings's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Brookings is driven by a mix of institutional employers, agricultural giants, and a healthy roster of local contractors. You're not just servicing residential homes; you're maintaining critical infrastructure for some of the state's largest employers.

1. South Dakota State University (SDSU): As one of the city's largest employers, SDSU's facilities department, run by the state's Office of Finance and Administration, is a major contractor for plumbing work. Projects range from dormitory renovations to maintaining the specialized lab and agricultural building systems. Hiring is often project-based, but steady.
2. 3M Brookings: This multinational manufacturing plant is a cornerstone of the local economy. Their in-house maintenance team employs industrial/commercial plumbers to maintain process piping, steam systems, and compressed air lines. This is a high-skill, high-paying niche.
3. Brookings Health System: The local hospital and its network of clinics require specialized medical gas and plumbing systems. While the core team is in-house, they frequently bring in licensed master plumbers for major projects and upgrades.
4. Agribusiness Giants (Dakota Mill & Elevator, ADM): Brookings is in the heart of agricultural country. Companies involved in grain processing, ethanol production, and fertilizer manufacturing rely on skilled plumbers for plant maintenance. This work involves high-pressure systems, corrosion-resistant materials, and often requires 24/7 on-call availability.
5. City of Brookings Public Works: The municipal government hires plumbers and water/sewer line workers. These are stable, union-protected positions with excellent benefits. They handle everything from main breaks to installing service lines for new developments.
6. Local Construction Firms (e.g., Hultgren, L.G. Everist): Several regional construction companies have a presence in Brookings. They subcontract plumbing work for new residential developments (especially on the east side of town) and commercial projects like new retail centers or apartment complexes.
7. Property Management Companies (e.g., Brookings Property Management): With a transient college population, there's a high demand for reliable plumbers to service rental properties. These companies offer consistent work, though it's often on-call and can be reactive.

Hiring Trends: The push for energy efficiency and water conservation is driving upgrades. Many employers are seeking plumbers who are familiar with PEX, tankless water heaters, and smart irrigation systems. The expansion of the Brookings Regional Airport and ongoing residential growth in the east-side subdivisions also means steady new construction work.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota has a clear but strict licensing process managed by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Electrical and Plumbing Division. You cannot legally work as a plumber without being licensed.

Key Requirements & Steps:

1. Education/Training: You must complete an approved apprenticeship program (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours on-the-job training and 144 classroom hours per year) OR have equivalent experience approved by the board. Most apprentices get their training through the Sioux Empire Plumbers & Pipefitters UA Local 602.
2. Exams: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the South Dakota Plumber Examination. This covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted by the state. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Licensing:
   • Apprentice Plumber: You must register as an apprentice, which requires a sponsor (a licensed master plumber). Fee: ~$50.
   • Journeyman Plumber: After passing the exam and meeting experience requirements, you can apply for a journeyman license. Fee: ~$150 for 2 years.
   • Master Plumber: Requires at least 5 years as a journeyman and passing the Master Plumber exam. This allows you to own a business and pull permits. Fee: ~$200 for 2 years.
4. Timeline: The full apprenticeship takes 4 years. Once you're licensed, you must complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your license.
5. Cost Summary: Budget around $500-$700 for initial licensing and exam fees, not including tuition if you enroll in a formal apprenticeship program (which is often paid for by the employer).

Insider Tip: The strongest path in Brookings is to apply directly to a local contractor (like one of the employers listed above) and get into their apprenticeship program. The UA Local 602 hall is in Sioux Falls, but they cover Brookings. Union jobs often have the best pay and benefits packages.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Brookings will affect your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. The city is compact, so commutes are generally short.

1. Downtown/Historic District: The heart of the city. Close to SDSU, local restaurants, and festivals. You'll find a mix of older homes (prime for repipes and remodels) and new apartment complexes. Commute to any employer is under 10 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000
2. East Brookings (near I-29 Exit 132): This is the fastest-growing area with new subdivisions and commercial development. Ideal if you work for a construction company or at 3M, which is on the east side. More modern housing stock.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100
3. Northwest Brookings (near SDSU): Popular with students and young professionals. Offers a mix of older homes and duplexes. A short bike ride to campus and downtown. Can be a bit busier during the academic year.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $950
4. Southside (near the Hospital & Brookings Health System): A quieter, family-friendly area with established neighborhoods. Good for someone working at the hospital or who prefers a more suburban feel. Easy access to main roads.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $850
5. Outlying Areas (Volga, Arlington): If you're willing to drive 10-15 minutes, you can find lower rent and more space. Volga has a small-town feel but is still within the Brookings metro for job access. Great for someone who wants a workshop or a larger yard.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $600 - $750

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber in Brookings has a clear path to advancement, both in skill and income.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specializing. Plumbers with certifications in medical gas installation (required for hospital work), industrial pipefitting (for 3M or ethanol plants), or backflow prevention (crucial for agricultural irrigation) can command premiums of $5-$10/hour above the standard journeyman rate. Master plumbers who start their own local contracting business have the highest earning potential, though they take on business risk.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Master Plumber -> Business Owner. Alternatively, you can move into a supervisory or project manager role with a larger construction firm or the city's Public Works department. These roles often include a company vehicle and a salary above the tradesman rate.
• 10-Year Outlook: Given the 6% job growth and the constant need for maintenance, replacement of aging infrastructure (especially in older neighborhoods and on campus), and new commercial construction, the outlook is stable and secure. The demand for plumbers is unlikely to decline. Your biggest challenge may not be finding work, but finding the time to take it all on. Developing a niche (e.g., becoming the go-to expert for agricultural systems or high-end residential remodels) is the key to long-term, high-income success.

The Verdict: Is Brookings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Standard of Living: Your salary goes far. Housing is affordable, and you can own a home early in your career.	Limited Market Size: Fewer total jobs than a major metro. Specialized niches are smaller.
Stable, Non-Competitive Market: Skilled plumbers are in steady demand. Less risk of being undercut.	Weather: Harsh, long winters can be a physical and mental challenge for outdoor work.
Strong Community Ties: Easy to build a reputation and client base. Word-of-mouth is powerful here.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: It's a college town, but not a big city. Your social options are more community-focused.
Diverse Employer Base: From agribusiness to academia to healthcare, you have multiple sectors to target.	Reliance on a Car: You must have reliable transportation; public transit is minimal.
Low Stress Commute: Under 15 minutes is typical, giving you more personal time.	Union Presence: While beneficial, the local union (UA Local 602) has a strong presence, which may influence your job search if you prefer non-union shops.

Final Recommendation:
Brookings is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a balanced lifestyle over the hustle and higher salaries of a large city. If you're a mid-career journeyman looking to buy a home and put down roots, or an apprentice who wants to get into a market with less competition, Brookings is a hidden gem. It's less ideal for someone seeking the most industrial or high-rise construction work, or for a young professional who craves a major city's nightlife. For the right person, it offers a sustainable and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. How is the job market for a new journeyman plumber in Brookings?
It's steady but not frenetic. As a new journeyman, your best bet is to connect with the UA Local 602 or approach mid-sized local contractors directly. There are usually 2-3 openings at any given time, and competition is moderate. Having your SD license in hand is a must.

2. Do I need a vehicle for work?
Yes, absolutely. You will need a reliable truck or van, especially if you move into a service or maintenance role. Many employers provide a take-home service vehicle, but you'll need your own to get to jobsites initially. The city is spread out, and public transit won't cover your work needs.

3. What's the winter work like?
It's challenging. You'll still be responding to frozen pipe calls, working in unheated construction sites, and dealing with snow cover. Good thermal gear and a heated work van are essential. However, winter also brings a surge in service calls, which can mean more overtime pay.

4. Can I work for myself in Brookings?
Yes, but you must first obtain a Master Plumber License and establish a business entity. The market is supportive of local tradespeople, but you'll need to build a strong reputation. The low cost of living makes starting a business less financially risky than in other states.

5. How does the cost of living compare to other Midwest towns?
Brookings is significantly more affordable than college towns like Iowa City or Madison, and slightly cheaper than Sioux Falls. The biggest savings are in housing. Your grocery and utility costs will be average for the region. It's a very budget-friendly place to live and work.