Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Jackson, MS: $44,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,687 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,183 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,184) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the dietetics field in Jackson, MS can anticipate starting salaries around $44,687. This figure falls significantly below the city's median annual salary of $66,184, highlighting the salary gap that exists for entry-level position seekers. However, graduates can expect to improve their earnings fairly quickly, especially as they gain experience; salaries typically rise from the lower percentile through the $57,696 mark, paving the way for more competitive pay as they progress into their career. The job market in Jackson provides a viable opportunity for new grads, with a projected growth rate of 3.90% annually indicating room for stability and advancement in this profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Jackson, MS typically start between $44,687 and $57,696 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,360 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,184 — 16.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Mississippi of $42,000 represents just 93.99% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($44,687/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $44,687 to $57,696, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $42,360 ( 94.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,687, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,047.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,010
2025 BLS Actual
$43,010
2026 Current Est.
$44,687
2019–2027 Growth
+13.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,430 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 4.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,010 in 2019 to $43,010 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,430. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
The primary employers of entry-level dietitians and nutritionists in Jackson include hospital clinical nutrition departments, which often hire recent graduates to manage rotations in various settings, including med-surge and ICU. Long-term care facilities recruit through major food service contractors such as Sodexo, Aramark, and Morrison, creating pathways for new professionals in the industry. Additionally, public health positions, particularly within programs like WIC, offer incentives such as loan repayment to attract talent to shortage areas. With the new requirement of a master’s degree becoming effective in 2024, completing an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship and obtaining the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential is essential for enhancing employability and salary potential. First-year salaries for graduates can improve significantly once they earn their credentials, prompting many to consider specializing in areas outside traditional insurance practices. As conditions for entry-level dietitians begin to evolve, those who align their skills with current trends in cash-pay practices and intuitive eating will likely find opportunities that offer robust compensation growth in the first three years of service.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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