Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Dubuque, IA: $77,506 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Dubuque, IA earns a median $77,506/year (≈ $37.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Dubuque's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $85,737 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, the projected 2026 median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists is $77,506, slightly below the national median of $79,380. The salary range for these professionals in the area extends from $49,648 at the 10th percentile to $105,551 at the 90th percentile, which illustrates the potential earning spectrum based on experience and specialized skills. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Given the increasing demand for dietetics expertise and the growing emphasis on specialty credentials such as CSR and CSSD, aspiring dietitians and nutritionists in Dubuque can find promising opportunities that may yield higher returns as the market evolves.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,648 | $23.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,357 | $30.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,506 | $37.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,352 | $43.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,551 | $50.74 |
Median Salary Position
2.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
In Dubuque, IA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,903 (2026 est.). At $77,506, the local median is 2.36% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dubuque: You'd be above the median
How Dubuque Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Dubuque median: $77,506/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dubuque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $76,587 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | -2.36% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $77,506 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $76,587.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dubuque has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dubuque, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $77,506 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,737 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,824
2025 BLS Actual
$74,597
2026 Current Est.
$77,506
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,824 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,601 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,036 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,544 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,506 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,529 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dubuque metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $59,824 (2019) to $74,597 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,529 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,705 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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) | $49,648 – $63,357 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,357 – $77,506 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,506 – $91,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,352 – $105,551 |
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 Dubuque
Employment for dietitians and nutritionists in Dubuque remains robust, with about 12 professionals currently engaged in various roles. The cost of living in the area, represented by a cost-of-living index of 90.4, allows for a more favorable take-home pay compared to larger markets. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient specialty clinics may offer the most competitive salaries, while cash-pay private practices are becoming prominent, particularly as the field moves toward intuitive eating and the growth of RDN credentials post-2024 master's requirement. The pay gap in Dubuque is influenced by several factors, including specialty areas, consulting opportunities, and the choice between public health versus corporate wellness environments. To maximize earnings, local dietitians and nutritionists should consider pursuing additional certifications, engaging in specializations, and seeking roles in higher-paying sectors within the region.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $74,597 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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