Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Killeen, TX: $51,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Killeen, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,503 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Killeen's local price level (BEA RPP 91.1 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,515 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,551) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, Texas, those entering the field of dietetics can anticipate a starting salary of around $51,503 in 2026. While this may feel modest compared to the city’s median dietitian and nutritionist salary of $77,551, new graduates can expect to see progression as they gain experience. Over the first 3-5 years, early-career professionals can realistically look towards the 25th percentile salary of $65,634 as they build their skills. This growth trajectory suggests that Killeen offers a supportive employment climate for new grads keen to start their careers in nutrition. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.90% for the field in the area, aspiring dietitians and nutritionists may find that the local job market is favorable for those looking to establish themselves in this profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Killeen
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 Killeen
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Killeen, TX typically start between $51,503 and $65,634 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,768 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,551 — 2.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 116.50% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($51,503/year) in Killeen. 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 Killeen
- 1Research the Killeen market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $51,503 to $65,634, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Killeen, 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 Killeen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Killeen'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 Killeen is $49,768 ( 96.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,503, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,271.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,580
2025 BLS Actual
$49,570
2026 Current Est.
$51,503
2019–2027 Growth
+109.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,512 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Killeen, TX grew 93.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,580 in 2019 to $49,570 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,512. New graduates entering the Killeen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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 Killeen
In Killeen, healthcare facilities and organizations play a critical role in hiring entry-level dietitians. Clinical nutrition departments in hospitals are particularly prominent, employing new graduates to rotate through various specialties such as medical-surgical and outpatient nutrition. Additional opportunities exist within long-term care facilities that often recruit through companies like Sodexo and Aramark. Public health positions, especially within WIC programs, may offer valuable loan repayment options, making them attractive for new entrants. To boost starting pay, Texas newcomers should ensure they possess a bachelor's degree, have completed an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, and hold the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential while also being aware that a master’s degree will be required for new RDNs as of 2024. With solid credentials, recent graduates can reasonably aim for salary enhancements over their initial years, especially as they explore avenues such as cash-pay private practice and emerging nutrition models that resonate with clients.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
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 Killeen. 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