Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Green Bay, WI: $58,257 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Green Bay, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,257 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Green Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,584 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,525) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on a career in nutrition and dietetics, the starting salary in Green Bay, Wisconsin, sets realistic expectations for new graduates in 2026. At entry-level positions, the starting dietitian and nutritionist salary in Green Bay is projected to be around $58,257, which is significantly lower than the city median of $79,525. This gap illustrates a common trend where entry-level roles can often seem less lucrative in comparison to overall market salaries. However, as professionals gain experience, they can realistically expect their incomes to grow, with potential earnings reaching approximately $64,408 at the 25th percentile and higher as they build expertise over three to five years. Given the positive annual growth rate of 3.90%, Green Bay emerges as a solid market for new entrants in the field, offering opportunities to develop both professionally and financially.
Career Earnings Timeline in Green Bay
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 Green Bay
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Green Bay, WI typically start between $58,257 and $64,408 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,050 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,525 — 0.18% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Wisconsin of $60,000 represents just 102.99% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($58,257/year) in Green Bay. 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 Green Bay
- 1Research the Green Bay market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $58,257 to $64,408, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Green Bay, 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 Green Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Green Bay's below-average 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 Green Bay is $29,050 ( 49.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,257, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,307.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,070
2025 BLS Actual
$56,070
2026 Current Est.
$58,257
2019–2027 Growth
+83.0%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Green Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,257 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,529 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Green Bay, WI grew 69.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,070 in 2019 to $56,070 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,529. New graduates entering the Green Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Green Bay 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 Green Bay
Focusing on the employment landscape in Green Bay, various organizations are eager to hire new graduates within this profession. Many entry-level dietitians and nutritionists find opportunities in hospital clinical nutrition departments, where they rotate through areas such as medical-surgical units, ICUs, and outpatient programs. Long-term care facilities often collaborate with food service companies like Sodexo, Aramark, or Morrison to recruit staff, while public health programs like WIC offer incentives such as loan repayment for professionals working in underserved areas. For those looking to enhance their starting pay, meeting the educational requirements—such as possessing a Bachelor's degree along with completion of an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship or a coordinated program, as well as obtaining the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential—will be critical. As of 2024, a Master’s degree will be mandatory for new RDNs. New graduates should focus on gaining specialized certifications, which can further elevate their earning potential. With a careful strategy during the first three years, and tapping into the evolving market, new graduates can expect significant salary improvements as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Green Bay, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Green Bay in 2026?
How fast do dietitian and nutritionist salaries grow in Green Bay?
Is nutrition school worth it in Green Bay?
What do new dietitians and nutritionists make right out of school in Green Bay?
How do I become a dietitian and nutritionist in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Green Bay. 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