Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Kingsville, TX: $48,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Kingsville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,471 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,491 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,580) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kingsville, Texas, new graduates entering the field of dietetics and nutrition can expect a starting salary in the range of $48,471, which positions them below the city’s median annual salary of $70,580. This gap reflects the typical earning trajectory for entry-level roles; as new dietitians and nutritionists gain experience, they can realistically target salaries closer to $59,901 within their first few years. With the estimated growth rate of 3.90% annually in the field, Kingsville presents a viable market for recent graduates to establish their careers despite the initial lower pay scale. For those starting their journey in 2026, realistic expectations of gradual salary increases are critical as they build their skills and professional networks.
About the Kingsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsville
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 Kingsville
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Kingsville, TX typically start between $48,471 and $59,901 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,414 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,580 — 11.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 123.79% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($48,471/year) in Kingsville. 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 Kingsville
- 1Research the Kingsville market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $48,471 to $59,901, 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 Kingsville, 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 Kingsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsville'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 Kingsville is $44,414 ( 91.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,471, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,885.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,959
2025 BLS Actual
$46,652
2026 Current Est.
$48,471
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Kingsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,959 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,861 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,418 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,948 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,847 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,652 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,362 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsville, TX grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,959 in 2019 to $46,652 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,362. New graduates entering the Kingsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsville 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 Kingsville
Employers in Kingsville who typically hire entry-level dietitians and nutritionists include hospital clinical nutrition departments, where new graduates often experience diverse rotations across various units like med-surg and outpatient care. Additionally, long-term care facilities frequently recruit through service provider contracts with companies like Sodexo and Aramark, while the WIC program represents valuable public health positions that may offer loan repayment in shortage areas. To enhance starting pay, obtaining a CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential following a Bachelor’s degree and an ACEND-accredited internship is vital, especially with the impending requirement of a Master’s degree for new RDNs by 2024. Early career strategies should also consider trends, such as private practice opportunities and alternative nutrition models gaining traction. In light of these factors, new graduates can expect steady salary growth in their first few years, supported by ongoing education and the pursuit of specialty certifications, creating pathways to success in their professional journeys in Kingsville, TX.
More salary data for Kingsville, 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 Kingsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingsville 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