Brookings vs Rapid City: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Brookings, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,055 | $56,045▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.99 | $26.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,175 | $41,264▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,695 | $47,514▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,505▲ | $67,186 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,368▲ | $76,917 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Rapid City is $1,990 (3.68%). Rapid City's median is -12.89% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $41,193,Rapid City spans $35,653. Brookings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($62,859 effective) pays 7.91% more than Brookings ($58,249 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,368)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,045/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,859)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Brookings grew 6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$49,726 (2024) → $52,969 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$43,970 (2019) → $54,919 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Brookings or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Rapid City as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Brookings vs Rapid City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov