Dietitian Salary in 2026
Dietitians plan food and nutrition programs, evaluate dietary needs, and counsel patients on healthy eating habits. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice.
Median Salary
$76,400
$6,367/mo
Entry Level
$59,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$103,500
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Dietitians and Nutritionists (SOC 29-1031) at a national median of $76,400 per year (mean $77,130), or $36.73 per hour, with 77,570 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Dietitian Overview
Dietitians plan food and nutrition programs, evaluate dietary needs, and counsel patients on healthy eating habits. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
78K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$36.73/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,367
Dietitian Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Dietitian salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Dietitian Salary
$88,000
$7,333/month · $3,385/biweekly · $42.31/hr
Dietitian Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Dietitian field.
Entry-level Dietitians earn around $59,100, while the top 10% earn $114,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Dietitians
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $90,000 | +$13,600 |
| New York | $88,000 | +$11,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,000 | $-400 |
| Texas | $75,000 | $-1,400 |
| Florida | $75,000 | $-1,400 |
Top Paying Cities for Dietitians
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $90,000 | +$13,600 |
| Los Angeles | $86,000 | +$9,600 |
| Miami | $78,000 | +$1,600 |
| Philadelphia | $78,000 | +$1,600 |
| Houston | $76,000 | $-400 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Dietitian Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Dietitian.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Dietitian Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Dietitian from entry level to expert.
$59,100
0-2 years
$81,000
3-7 years
$103,500
8-14 years
$124,500
15+ years
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Dietitian Salary FAQ
How much does a Dietitian make in 2026?
The median salary for a Dietitian in the United States is $76,400 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Dietitians and Nutritionists (SOC 29-1031); the mean is $77,130. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $59,100, senior professionals around $103,500, and top earners at $124,500 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Dietitian?
A Dietitian typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Nutrition Assessment, Meal Planning, Clinical Nutrition. Relevant certifications such as RDN or State Licensure can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Dietitians?
The job market for Dietitians is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 78K Dietitian positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 11%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Dietitians the most?
The highest-paying states for Dietitians include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $90,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Dietitian salary?
To increase your Dietitian salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Nutrition Assessment and Meal Planning. Pursue certifications such as RDN. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $59,100 to $103,500 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Dietitian Salary
How we calculate Dietitian salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Dietitians and Nutritionists (SOC 29-1031), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $76,400, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Dietitians and Nutritionists; BLS mean $77,130; BLS hourly median $36.73.
- Entry-level ($59,100) and senior-level ($103,500) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +7% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 77,570 Dietitians and Nutritionists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 11% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $76,400; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Dietitian compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitian job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Dietitian salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Nutrition Assessment, Meal Planning, Clinical Nutrition), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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