Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Kenmore, WA: $53,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,636 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,940 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,972) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the field of dietetics, the prospect of starting pay in Kenmore, WA, presents a mixed yet rewarding picture. In 2026, those just beginning their careers as dietitians and nutritionists can expect an entry-level salary around $53,636, providing a stark contrast to the city’s median annual salary of $76,972. This gap illustrates the ramp-up that new professionals will experience within the first few years of their careers. With a focus on skill acquisition and experience, it’s realistic for new dietitians to progress through the pay scales: moving towards $65,698 and eventually reaching the median salary as they gain expertise. Considering the projected annual growth rate of 3.90%, Kenmore appears to be a favorable market for new graduates poised to enter the workforce.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Kenmore, WA typically start between $53,636 and $65,698 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,345 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,972 — 3.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Washington of $75,000 represents just 139.83% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($53,636/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $53,636 to $65,698, 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 Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $46,345 ( 86.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,636, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,981.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,897
2025 BLS Actual
$51,623
2026 Current Est.
$53,636
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,896 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,418 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,227 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,728 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,897 in 2019 to $51,623 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,728. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
Employment opportunities for entry-level dietitians and nutritionists in Kenmore can be found across various sectors that favor newly credentialed individuals. Hospitals frequently hire graduates in clinical nutrition roles, offering experiences spanning med-surg, ICU, and outpatient care. Long-term care facilities often seek new hires through food service partnerships with companies like Sodexo and Aramark. Additionally, public health programs such as WIC not only provide job openings but also offer favorable loan repayment options for those who serve in underserved areas. To enhance marketability and starting pay, candidates should complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, obtain the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, and stay informed about the new master's degree requirement coming in 2024. Early-career professionals should also consider niches in cash-pay practice to capitalize on trends in intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES). By focusing on specialization and continuing education, new graduates can strategically position themselves for realistic salary growth within the years that follow entry into the field.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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