Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Woodbury, MN: $50,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Woodbury, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,987 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodbury's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,763 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,219) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective entry-level dietitians and nutritionists in Woodbury, MN, can expect starting salaries to begin around $50,987 as they enter the workforce in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median salary of $79,219, indicating that new graduates may need to prepare for a gradual salary growth trajectory. Over the course of the first three to five years, these individuals often see increases as they gain experience and potentially qualify for higher positions, moving towards the 25th percentile figure of $64,878. With the projected annual growth rate in the field at 3.90%, the Woodbury market could offer promising opportunities for new graduates exploring their career options as dietitians and nutritionists.
About the Woodbury Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodbury
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 Woodbury
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Woodbury, MN typically start between $50,987 and $64,878 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,219 — 0.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Minnesota of $70,000 represents just 137.29% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($50,987/year) in Woodbury. 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 Woodbury
- 1Research the Woodbury market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $50,987 to $64,878, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Woodbury, 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 Woodbury for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodbury'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 Woodbury is $54,259 ( 106.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,987, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,246.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,877
2025 BLS Actual
$49,073
2026 Current Est.
$50,987
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Woodbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,877 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,826 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,588 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,975 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Woodbury, MN grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,877 in 2019 to $49,073 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,975. New graduates entering the Woodbury job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodbury 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 Woodbury
Hospitals and clinical nutrition departments in Woodbury actively seek new graduates to fill positions in various settings, including med-surg and outpatient care. Organizations like Sodexo, Aramark, and Morrison Food Services also offer roles in long-term care, creating pathways for entry-level professionals. To enhance starting salaries, new dietitians and nutritionists should focus on obtaining their RDN credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which now requires a master's degree as of 2024, reflecting the profession's evolving educational standards. Staying abreast of continuing education opportunities, such as specialty certifications in clinical nutrition or public health, can also further bolster marketability. As cash-pay private practices and alternative nutrition models gain traction, graduates might find additional avenues for career advancement and income growth, with realistic expectations of gradual salary increases throughout their initial years in this field.
More salary data for Woodbury, MN:
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 Woodbury. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodbury 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