Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Muscatine, IA: $71,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Muscatine, IA earns a median $71,536/year (≈ $34.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $79,133 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the anticipated median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to be $71,536 in 2026, which positions it below the national median of $79,380. This salary reflects a growing trend following the 2024 transition to requiring a master’s degree for RDN credentialing. Local pay ranges from $51,359 at the lower percentile to as high as $92,048 at the upper end, indicating a competitive market, especially as demand increases for skilled practitioners knowledgeable in specialized areas of nutrition. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the financial landscape that professionals in Muscatine face as they navigate this evolving field.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,359 | $24.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,213 | $29.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,536 | $34.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,039 | $39.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,048 | $44.25 |
Median Salary Position
9.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,689 (2026 est.). At $71,536, the local median is 9.88% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be above the median
How Muscatine Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $71,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $76,591 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -9.88% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $71,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.88% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $76,591.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $71,536 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,133 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,216
2025 BLS Actual
$68,851
2026 Current Est.
$71,536
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,856 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,558 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,884 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,795 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,326 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $55,216 (2019) to $68,851 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,326 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,110 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $51,359 – $62,213 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,213 – $71,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,536 – $82,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,039 – $92,048 |
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 Muscatine
With only five dietitians and nutritionists employed in the area, the job market remains relatively modest. However, the cost-of-living index of 90.4 suggests that professionals may find their purchasing power is higher than in many other regions, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle even on a lower salary scale. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient specialty clinics are likely the top payers, attracting skilled individuals in specific niches like oncology or diabetes management. The disparity in earnings often comes down to specialization, with RDs in cash-pay private practices seeing increased earnings that surpass those in public health or school systems. To optimize their income, aspiring dietitians and nutritionists in Muscatine should consider diversifying into high-demand areas, building a private practice, or exploring roles in corporate wellness programs, where innovative payment models and specialty skills can lead to greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
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 $68,851 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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