Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Brookings, SD: $90,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Brookings, SD earns a median $90,613/year (≈ $43.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Brookings's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $97,643 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Clinical and counseling psychologists in Brookings, SD, can expect to earn a median annual salary estimated at $90,613 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median salary of $105,689, suggesting a disparity in financial compensation that reflects regional economic conditions. In Brookings, salaries within this profession range from approximately $54,436 at the lower end (P10) to about $140,450 at the higher end (P90), indicating variability based on experience, specialization, and the types of employers in the area. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS data, highlight the purchasing power dynamics influenced by Brookings' cost-of-living index of 92.8, which is below the national average.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($90,410) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,436 | $26.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,463 | $32.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,613 | $43.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,984 | $55.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,450 | $67.52 |
Median Salary Position
14.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
In Brookings, SD, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,014 (2026 est.). At $90,613, the local median is 14.26% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookings Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Brookings median: $90,613/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $98,066 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -14.26% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Brookings, SD earn a median of $90,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.26% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $98,066.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookings has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brookings, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $90,613 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,643 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$70,740
2025 BLS Actual
$86,232
2026 Current Est.
$90,613
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Brookings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $70,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,513 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,216 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookings metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $70,740 (2021) to $86,232 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,216 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,476 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,436 – $68,463 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,463 – $90,613 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,613 – $115,984 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,984 – $140,450 |
CCP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual clinical and counseling psychologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Job Market in Brookings
Currently, Brookings employs four clinical and counseling psychologists, pointing to a niche market with limited competition. The lower cost of living helps cushion the purchasing power of local salaries, making the median income more palatable in terms of expenses. Employers in the region that typically offer the highest compensation include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, where demand for qualified professionals may drive higher pay rates. Differences in compensation can often be attributed to shifts in eligibility, specific credentials, and employer benefits packages. To enhance earning potential in Brookings, psychologists may benefit from seeking advanced certifications or pursuing positions in larger healthcare systems known for competitive salaries and additional incentives.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,232 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Brookings metropolitan area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov