Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Woodburn, OR: $51,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Woodburn, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,918 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodburn's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,602 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,109) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of dietetics and nutrition in Woodburn, Oregon can expect a starting dietitian and nutritionist salary of approximately $51,918, which is considerably below the city’s median annual income of $80,109. This initial pay represents a typical entry-level position, with opportunities for salary growth as new professionals gain experience. Over the first three to five years, early-career dietitians and nutritionists in Woodburn can realistically work up to the 25th percentile salary level of $65,701, indicating a positive trajectory that rewards ongoing professional development and enhanced skill sets. The outlook for entry-level professionals in this area is promising, considering the overall growth rate of 3.90%, which suggests that the demand for dietitians and nutritionists will continue to rise, making Woodburn a viable market for fresh graduates.
About the Woodburn Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodburn
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 Woodburn
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Woodburn, OR typically start between $51,918 and $65,701 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,698 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,109 — 0.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Oregon of $75,000 represents just 144.46% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($51,918/year) in Woodburn. 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 Woodburn
- 1Research the Woodburn market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $51,918 to $65,701, 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 Woodburn, 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 Woodburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodburn'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 Woodburn is $52,698 ( 101.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,918, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,616.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,586
2025 BLS Actual
$49,969
2026 Current Est.
$51,918
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Woodburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,714 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,184 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,943 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Woodburn, OR grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,586 in 2019 to $49,969 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,943. New graduates entering the Woodburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodburn 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 Woodburn
Those looking to start their careers in Woodburn should target employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities, as these organizations frequently hire new graduates for entry-level positions. Notable food service companies like Sodexo, Aramark, and Morrison supply these facilities with staffing solutions. Additionally, working in public health, particularly within WIC programs, might offer loan repayment opportunities for graduates in shortage areas. To enhance their starting pay in Oregon, entry-level dietitians should ensure they hold a Bachelor’s degree and complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship or a coordinated program, followed by obtaining the RDN credential from the CDR. With the requirement of a master’s degree becoming effective in 2024, aspiring RDNs should consider furthering their education as they plan their career strategies. Those in the initial years of their career can realistically aim for gradual salary growth as they acquire experience and credentials, aligning their professional journey with the evolving demands of the dietetics field in Woodburn, OR.
More salary data for Woodburn, 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 Woodburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodburn 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