Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Medford, OR: $52,812 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,812 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,474 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,554) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of dietetics and nutrition in Medford, OR can expect a starting salary around $52,812 in 2026. Compared to the city’s median annual income of $79,554, this entry-level pay indicates a notable gap that can largely be attributed to the experience and credential requirements for higher salaries. However, the potential for salary advancement is promising; individuals can anticipate progression from the starting salary toward the 25th percentile, which is $66,421, within the first few years of working. Medford presents itself as a viable market for recent graduates, especially given the projected 3.90% annual growth rate in this profession, indicating a healthy demand for entry-level dietitians and nutritionists in the area.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Medford, OR typically start between $52,812 and $66,421 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,894 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,554 — 0.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Oregon of $75,000 represents just 142.01% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($52,812/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $52,812 to $66,421, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $57,894 ( 109.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,812, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,706.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,268
2025 BLS Actual
$50,830
2026 Current Est.
$52,812
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,268 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,986 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,812 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,872 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,268 in 2019 to $50,830 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,872. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
In Medford, numerous employers are keen to engage newly credentialed dietitians and nutritionists. Clinical nutrition departments in local hospitals actively recruit for entry-level positions, providing essential experience across various settings, including med-surg and outpatient care. Additionally, long-term care facilities partner with companies like Sodexo and Aramark to fill positions, while public health initiatives, such as WIC programs, may even offer loan repayment incentives in underserved regions. To bolster their earning potential right out of school, new graduates should focus on obtaining their ACEND-accredited degrees, completing an internship, and achieving the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. With the shift to requiring a master's degree starting in 2024, pursuing advanced education can further distinguish candidates. In this evolving industry, those who adapt by exploring cash-pay private practices or innovative models like intuitive eating could see meaningful salary advancements within their first few years, capitalizing on a dynamic and changing marketplace.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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