Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Sioux City, IA: $48,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Sioux City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,914 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,108 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,149) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the nutrition field in Sioux City, the starting dietitian and nutritionist salary is projected at $48,914 in 2026. This amount falls short compared to the city median salary of $77,149, highlighting a notable gap for those at the entry-level stage. However, aspiring dietitians can realistically expect to progress from their starting pay to approximately $62,628 by reaching the 25th percentile within the first few years. The expected growth trajectory of 3.90% annually makes Sioux City a moderate but viable market for recent graduates, especially as they gain experience and work toward achieving higher pay brackets throughout their careers.
About the Sioux City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux City
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 Sioux City
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Sioux City, IA typically start between $48,914 and $62,628 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,854 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,149 — 2.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Iowa of $55,000 represents just 112.44% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($48,914/year) in Sioux City. 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 Sioux City
- 1Research the Sioux City market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $48,914 to $62,628, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sioux City, 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 Sioux City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux City's below-average 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 Sioux City is $52,854 ( 108.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,914, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,768.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,296
2025 BLS Actual
$47,078
2026 Current Est.
$48,914
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,822 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux City, IA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,296 in 2019 to $47,078 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,822. New graduates entering the Sioux City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux City 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 Sioux City
Job opportunities for entry-level dietitians and nutritionists in Sioux City typically arise from local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Many new RDNs find positions in clinical nutrition departments, which often include essential rotations across med-surg, ICU, and outpatient settings. Prominent food service management firms like Sodexo, Aramark, and Morrison recruit for long-term care facilities, while public health entities, such as WIC programs, frequently offer loan repayment options in underserved areas. To enhance earning potential, candidates should complete a bachelor's degree, an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (or coordinated program), and acquire the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. As of 2024, a master’s degree will also be necessary for new RDNs. Given the rise of cash-pay practices focusing on intuitive eating and medically focused nutrition therapy models separate from insurance, entry-level dietitians should diversify their skill sets during their first three years to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of nutrition.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Sioux City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sioux City 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