Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Camas, WA: $51,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,921 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,344 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,800) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camas, WA, new graduates embarking on a career as a dietitian or nutritionist can anticipate starting salaries around $51,921 as projected for 2026. While this figure represents the entry-level pay, it does highlight a noticeable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $77,800. However, this initial income isn't static; as individuals gain experience, they can expect their pay to rise significantly, with projections estimating jumps through early career stages up to approximately $65,158 by the 25th percentile. The 3.90% growth rate in this profession indicates that Camas is a reasonably favorable market for fresh graduates seeking to establish themselves in this field.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Camas, WA typically start between $51,921 and $65,158 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,023 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,800 — 1.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Washington of $75,000 represents just 144.45% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($51,921/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $51,921 to $65,158, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $52,023 ( 100.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,921, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,944.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,589
2025 BLS Actual
$49,972
2026 Current Est.
$51,921
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,933 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,717 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,946 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,589 in 2019 to $49,972 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,946. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
When considering employment opportunities in Camas, various sectors actively seek new dietitians and nutritionists. Hospitals often hire entry-level professionals for clinical nutrition roles, allowing them to gain valuable experience across different medical settings, including outpatient and ICU rotations. Long-term care facilities typically recruit through established companies like Sodexo and Aramark, while public health programs such as WIC may offer loan repayment options, further enticing new RDNs. Credentials significantly impact starting pay, especially since a master's degree will be required for RDNs from 2024 onward. Obtaining specialized certifications can enhance earning potential, making candidates more attractive to employers. In the early years, newly minted dietitians can expect their salaries to gradually align with the median as they establish their credentials, network, and possibly transition into profitable cash-pay private practices or focus on newer modalities like intuitive eating, reflecting the dynamic nature of the field in WA.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Camas in 2026?
How fast do dietitian and nutritionist salaries grow in Camas?
Is nutrition school worth it in Camas?
What do new dietitians and nutritionists make right out of school in Camas?
How do I become a dietitian and nutritionist in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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