Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Cedar City, UT: $41,518 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Cedar City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,518 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,322 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,558) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective dietitians and nutritionists entering the Cedar City job market can expect a starting salary around $41,518 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range, which varies significantly as experience and specialization accumulate. Compared to the city's median salary of $63,558, new graduates may find themselves at a noticeable disparity as they embark on their careers. However, there is potential for growth; as early-career professionals develop their skills and gain experience, their pay may progress toward the 25th percentile ($54,828) and beyond within the first few years. Cedar City appears to be a favorable environment for launching a career in nutrition, particularly given the projected growth rate of 3.90% annually over the next five years.
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar City
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 Cedar City
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Cedar City, UT typically start between $41,518 and $54,828 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,776 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,558 — 19.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Utah of $60,000 represents just 144.52% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($41,518/year) in Cedar City. 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 Cedar City
- 1Research the Cedar City market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $41,518 to $54,828, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar City, 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 Cedar City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar City'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 Cedar City is $39,776 ( 95.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,518, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,294.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,657
2025 BLS Actual
$39,960
2026 Current Est.
$41,518
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,657 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,557 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,518 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,138 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar City, UT grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,657 in 2019 to $39,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,138. New graduates entering the Cedar City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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 Cedar City
Analyzing the Cedar City employment scene reveals promising opportunities for new graduates. Hospitals are primary employers, especially in clinical nutrition departments where fresh Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) can gain critical experience through rotations in various settings, including med-surg, ICU, and outpatient services. Long-term care facilities often recruit through food service contracts with companies like Sodexo and Aramark, while public health roles, such as those in WIC programs, sometimes offer loan repayment options in areas facing shortages. In terms of credentials, earning a Bachelor's degree plus completing an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship is essential, and obtaining the RDN credential is a significant step that enhances starting pay in Utah. With the transition to a master's degree now mandatory for new RDNs starting in 2024, understanding these dynamics can influence career strategies. New graduates can anticipate realistic salary growth within their first few years, especially as they adapt to the evolving landscape which now includes cash-pay private practices focusing on models such as intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES).
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
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 Cedar City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar City 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