Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Surprise, AZ: $78,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Surprise, AZ earns a median $78,020/year (≈ $37.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Surprise's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $79,208 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, Arizona, the projected median annual salary for a dietitian and nutritionist is $78,020 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $79,380. The salary range in this market spans from $51,013 at the lowest decile to $108,247 at the top, indicating a broad spectrum of earning potential. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the financial dynamics in Surprise's healthcare sector. While dietitians and nutritionists may find various employment settings, the choice between cash-pay private practices versus hospital positions will significantly influence their compensation trajectory. The evolving job market in Surprise is set against a backdrop of growing demand for nutrition services, making this an opportune time for new professionals to enter the field.
About the Surprise Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,013 | $24.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,616 | $31.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,020 | $37.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,614 | $44.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,247 | $52.04 |
Median Salary Position
1.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Surprise
In Surprise, AZ, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,234 (2026 est.). At $78,020, the local median is 1.71% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Surprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Surprise Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Surprise median: $78,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Surprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $78,176 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -1.71% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Surprise, AZ earn a median of $78,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $78,176.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Surprise has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Surprise, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $78,020 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,208 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,220
2025 BLS Actual
$75,091
2026 Current Est.
$78,020
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,009 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,594 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,311 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,062 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Surprise metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $60,220 (2019) to $75,091 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,842 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,013 – $64,616 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,616 – $78,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,020 – $92,614 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,614 – $108,247 |
DN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dietitian and nutritionist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Job Market in Surprise
There are currently 31 dietitians and nutritionists employed in Surprise, AZ, which signals a competitive job market with a constant need for skilled professionals. The cost of living index sits at 98.5, reflecting below-average living costs that can enhance take-home pay, making the area appealing for those starting their careers or considering relocation. Generally, higher wages are found in hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialized outpatient clinics focusing on chronic diseases like diabetes and oncology. The disparity in dietitian and nutritionist pay in Surprise often correlates with specialty certifications and whether professionals operate in cash-pay practices or traditional healthcare settings. To maximize earnings, those in the field should consider pursuing board certifications in specialized areas or integrating cash-pay services into their practices, tapping into a growing trend that attracts clients seeking personalized care beyond insurance coverage.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $75,091 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Surprise metropolitan area. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Surprise 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