Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Windsor, CO: $50,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,568 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,160 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,852) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Windsor, Colorado, a new graduate entering the field of dietetics can anticipate an entry-level dietitian and nutritionist salary of around $50,568 in 2026. This figure reflects a substantial gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $77,852. Over the first few years of their careers, professionals can expect a growth trajectory that takes them from this initial pay through a projected $64,177 within a few years, ultimately working towards the median as they accumulate experience and develop their skills. Windsor presents a favorable job market for new graduates right now, thanks in part to the ongoing demand for qualified dietitians and nutritionists, demonstrating a strong growth rate of 3.90% annually.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Windsor
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Windsor, CO typically start between $50,568 and $64,177 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,814 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,852 — 1.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Colorado of $70,000 represents just 138.43% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($50,568/year) in Windsor. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEND-accredited dietetics program data and university tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state, public out-of-state, private) and degree level (bachelor's vs. master's).
DN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $50,568 to $64,177, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nutrition field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Windsor, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Compensation Range
The dietitian and nutritionist wage spread in Windsor is $51,814 ( 102.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,568, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,382.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,557
2025 BLS Actual
$48,670
2026 Current Est.
$50,568
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,557 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,762 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,901 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,540 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,557 in 2019 to $48,670 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,540. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nutrition Career in Windsor
In Windsor, employers that typically hire new dietitian and nutritionist graduates include hospital clinical nutrition departments, which frequently recruit for roles across various settings such as med-surg, ICU, and outpatient care. Additionally, long-term care facilities often recruit through food service contractors like Sodexo, Aramark, and Morrison. The burgeoning field of public health, particularly through programs like WIC, also offers positions that can include loan repayment incentives in underserved areas. For those looking to enhance their entry-level new grad dietitian and nutritionist pay in CO, obtaining the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential—along with a state license—and pursuing a master’s degree will now be essential as of 2024. Young professionals are encouraged to explore supplementary certifications in various specialties to enhance their qualifications. Realistically, the first three years in this profession may see starting salaries gradually shift towards industry averages, provided individuals strategically navigate new role opportunities and continued education within this evolving field.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do dietitian and nutritionist salaries grow in Windsor?
Is nutrition school worth it in Windsor?
What do new dietitians and nutritionists make right out of school in Windsor?
How do I become a dietitian and nutritionist in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nutrition graduates. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov