Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Durango, CO: $73,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Durango, CO earns a median $73,913/year (≈ $35.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $70,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durango, Colorado, the dietitian and nutritionist salary is estimated to reach a median annual figure of $73,913 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position against the national median of $79,380. This salary range spans from approximately $53,558 at the 10th percentile to around $95,741 at the 90th percentile, offering a spectrum of earning potential that can suit various career paths. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for local cost considerations. The choice between engaging in cash-pay private practices versus traditional W-2 hospital roles largely influences income levels, as private practices may cater to patients seeking specialized services without the constraints of insurance.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,558 | $25.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,580 | $31.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,913 | $35.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,262 | $39.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,741 | $46.03 |
Median Salary Position
6.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,183 (2026 est.). At $73,913, the local median is 6.89% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Durango median: $73,913/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $78,883 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -6.89% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Durango, CO earn a median of $73,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.89% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $78,883.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,913 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,393 — a 4.76% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$57,051
2025 BLS Actual
$71,139
2026 Current Est.
$73,913
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,746 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,405 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,882 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,139 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $57,051 (2019) to $71,139 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,745 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $53,558 – $64,580 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,580 – $73,913 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,913 – $82,262 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,262 – $95,741 |
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 Durango
The job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Durango is relatively small, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. This limited pool means that competition can be fierce, which is compounded by a cost-of-living index of 105, pushing purchasing power slightly below national averages. Among local employers, those in hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialized outpatient clinics typically offer the highest wages compared to public health settings or school districts. The variance in pay often hinges on specialization, with skills in areas like renal care, diabetes management, and sports nutrition being particularly lucrative. To maximize earning potential in Durango, new entrants should pursue board certifications and consider cash-pay models in private practice, especially as the demand for intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES) frameworks continues to rise in popularity in this market.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Durango, CO in 2026?
Is Durango, CO a good place to work as a dietitian and nutritionist?
Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Durango?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dietitian and nutritionist salary in Durango?
How much does a dietitian and nutritionist make per hour in Durango?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 $71,139 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Durango 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 Durango 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