Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $71,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $71,265/year (≈ $34.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $78,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Ottumwa can expect to earn a median annual salary of $71,265. This figure is slightly below the national median of $79,380, indicating a competitive market that values expertise despite regional differences. The salary in Ottumwa has a range from $50,785 at the bottom 10 percent to $91,368 at the top 90 percent, reflecting the variety of employment situations available. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, reveal the potential earnings landscape for dietitians choosing between cash-pay private practices or hospital-based positions, which frequently offer W-2 structures. Understanding this landscape is essential for professionals navigating their career paths in Ottumwa's evolving job market.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,785 | $24.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,645 | $29.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,265 | $34.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,364 | $39.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,368 | $43.93 |
Median Salary Position
10.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,583 (2026 est.). At $71,265, the local median is 10.22% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be above the median
How Ottumwa Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $71,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $76,629 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -10.22% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $71,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.22% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $76,629.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa 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.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $71,265 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $78,833 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,007
2025 BLS Actual
$68,590
2026 Current Est.
$71,265
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,348 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,557 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,044 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $55,007 (2019) to $68,590 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,044 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,037 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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) | $50,785 – $61,645 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,645 – $71,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,265 – $81,364 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,364 – $91,368 |
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 Ottumwa
Looking at the local job market, there are currently five dietitians and nutritionists employed in Ottumwa, which suggests a relatively small but specialized field. With a cost-of-living index at 90.4, the purchasing power of salary figures tends to stretch further than in higher-cost areas. Healthcare facilities, such as hospital clinical nutrition departments, typically pay the most, followed closely by outpatient clinics in specialties like diabetes and cardiology. The disparity in dietitian and nutritionist pay in Ottumwa is influenced by specialty areas and practice settings; those with credentials in renal care or oncology often command higher salaries, especially if they pursue board certifications or work in cash-pay private practice. For professionals seeking to maximize their pay, establishing a niche, enhancing qualifications, and considering private practice opportunities are strategic ways to advance financially in Ottumwa.
More salary data for Ottumwa, 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 $68,590 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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