Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Ogden, UT: $34,495 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Ogden, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,495 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ogden's local price level (BEA RPP 100.3 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,375 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,418) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Graduates entering the field of dietetics in Ogden, Utah, can expect an entry-level dietitian and nutritionist salary around $34,495 in 2026, significantly lower than the city median of $64,418. This gap highlights the gradual growth potential for new professionals; as they gain experience, salaries can rise to the 25th percentile at approximately $41,456 within the first few years, eventually approaching the median level. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.90%, entry-level positions in Ogden present a realistic platform for new grads to launch their careers, making this city a moderately favorable market for those just starting out in the profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ogden
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 Ogden
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Ogden, UT typically start between $34,495 and $41,456 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,527 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,418 — 18.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Utah of $60,000 represents just 173.94% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($34,495/year) in Ogden. 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 Ogden
- 1Research the Ogden market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $34,495 to $41,456, 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 Ogden, 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 Ogden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ogden'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 Ogden is $62,527 ( 181.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,495, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,022.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,030
2025 BLS Actual
$33,200
2026 Current Est.
$34,495
2019–2027 Growth
+32.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Ogden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,495 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,840 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Ogden, UT grew 22.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,030 in 2019 to $33,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,840. New graduates entering the Ogden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ogden 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 Ogden
A variety of employers in Ogden actively recruit new dietitian and nutritionist graduates, particularly in hospital settings. Clinical nutrition departments frequently hire recent graduates, offering valuable experience through rotations in different departments, including medical-surgical and outpatient care. Long-term care facilities often work with large food service providers, such as Sodexo and Aramark, which present additional job opportunities. In Utah, holding relevant credentials can significantly enhance starting pay; aspiring dietitians should aim for a Bachelor's degree, complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, and obtain the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. The growing requirement for a Master's degree as of 2024 emphasizes the importance of continual education in this field. New grads can expect steady salary growth as they gain experience and possibly pursue specialty certifications to elevate their marketability in an evolving industry that increasingly favors cash-pay private practices and personalized nutrition models.
More salary data for Ogden, 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 Ogden. 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