Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Rawlins, WY: $42,352 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,352 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,209 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,697) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of dietetics in Rawlins, WY, the starting dietitian and nutritionist salary is projected to be around $42,352 in 2026. This entry-level figure is notably less than the city’s median annual salary of $64,697, indicating some potential financial challenges as new professionals establish their careers. However, those willing to gain experience can expect salaries to gradually increase. Over the first 3–5 years, new dietitians in Rawlins may see their compensation rise from their initial salary to approximately $53,440, with the possibility to reach the median as they gain expertise. Despite the lower pay compared to the national average of $79,380, Rawlins offers a positive market for entry-level positions, considering the local cost of living is below the national average, which may help to mitigate some financial concerns.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Rawlins, WY typically start between $42,352 and $53,440 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,843 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,697 — 18.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Wyoming of $50,000 represents just 118.06% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($42,352/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $42,352 to $53,440, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $42,843 ( 101.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,352, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,195.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,292
2025 BLS Actual
$40,762
2026 Current Est.
$42,352
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,292 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,081 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,315 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,652 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,291 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,352 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,003 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,292 in 2019 to $40,762 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,003. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
In Rawlins, healthcare facilities and organizations like hospitals and long-term care services actively recruit new graduates, creating viable job opportunities for those entering the field. Clinical nutrition departments in hospitals are prime employers for entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), offering varied rotations through medical-surgical, ICU, and outpatient settings. Additionally, companies such as Sodexo and Aramark often hire for long-term care facilities. Fresh graduates are encouraged to focus on obtaining the RDN credential, which now requires a master’s degree following the CDR guidelines implemented in 2024. Securing a state license or certification will also enhance starting pay and job prospects, while acquiring specialty certifications could lead to attractive opportunities in a growing cash-pay practice environment, which is becoming popular outside traditional medical insurance. As new dietitians navigate their first three years in Rawlins, realistic salary growth expectations suggest incremental increases as they build their skills and professional networks within the community.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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