Senior Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Brookings, SD: $111,812 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of speech-language pathologists working in Brookings, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $111,812/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1127. Strip back Brookings's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $120,487 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the role of an experienced speech-language pathologist in Brookings, South Dakota, offers a competitive compensation package, particularly for top earners. Professionals at the 90th percentile can expect salaries reaching up to $111,812, while those at the 75th percentile earn around $99,022. This level of compensation highlights a significant gap between the median annual salary of $87,257 and the highest earners in the field, indicating that experienced professionals can substantially boost their income through specialized skills and advanced practice. Achieving a top-tier salary in Brookings often requires a blend of advanced credentials, such as holding a CCC-SLP, and deep expertise in niches like pediatric language disorders or swallowing difficulties.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Experienced speech-language pathologists at the top of the pay scale in Brookings earn between $99,022 and $111,812 per year (2026 est.). This $50,650 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookings median of $87,257 sits 14.26% below the US median.
Top SLP Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $87,257 | $101,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,022 | $119,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $111,812 | $139,513 |
In Brookings, experienced speech-language pathologists (P90) earn 28.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Brookings
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD speech-language pathologists with additional specialty certifications within the speech-language pathology field earn significantly above the $87,257 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookings employers.
Specialty Focus
Speech-Language Pathologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the speech-language pathology field in Brookings command premium compensation, often reaching the $99,022–$111,812 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookings metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced speech-language pathologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured speech-language pathologists in Brookings with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Speech-Language Pathologists in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Speech-Language Pathologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Brookings
Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
5-10 yearsSpeech-Language Pathologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookings ranks #7 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner speech-language pathologist salary (90th percentile: $111,812).
Top 10% speech-language pathologist compensation in Brookings ($111,812) is 4.19% above the South Dakota average P90 ($107,311).
2019 BLS Actual
$97,183
2025 BLS Actual
$107,522
2026 Current Est.
$111,812
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,183 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,812 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,273 | Projected |
Top-earning speech-language pathologists (90th percentile) in Brookings saw their compensation grow 10.6% from $97,183 in 2019 to $107,522 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $116,273 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Speech-Language Pathologist Earnings in Brookings
Specializations within speech-language pathology significantly influence senior speech-language pathologist pay in SD. Areas like pediatric autism, stuttering therapy, and augmentative communication serve as lucrative niches, often commanding higher compensation compared to general practice. Compensation levels also vary by employer, with medical settings like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically offering higher salaries compared to school districts, where most SLPs are employed. Leadership opportunities abound for seasoned professionals, leading to roles such as clinic owners or district coordinators. Earning potential further increases with advanced credentials—such as a master's degree from a CAA-accredited program and state licensure—and through specialized certifications. Non-salary factors, including the choice between school-year and year-round contracts, also play a role in overall compensation packages, particularly for those engaged in telepractice or bilingual SLP roles where additional premiums may apply.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced speech-language pathologists make in Brookings in 2026?
What drives higher speech-language pathologist pay in Brookings?
What certifications boost speech-language pathologist salary in Brookings?
Can experienced speech-language pathologists make six figures in Brookings?
How much does speech-language pathologist salary increase over time in Brookings?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $107,522 for speech-language pathologists in the Brookings metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov