Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Ashland, KY: $80,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Ashland, KY earns a median $80,335/year (≈ $38.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $89,961 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.3% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Ashland, Kentucky, is $80,335 for 2026, which represents a slight increase over the national median of $79,380. This local estimate from state-level data reflects a salary range that spans from $53,103 at the 10th percentile to $101,558 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a competitive market for these professionals. The shift mandated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requiring a master’s degree for practice as of 2024 has likely influenced these salary figures, particularly as local employers may seek to attract highly qualified candidates. With only four dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in this area, the job market offers unique opportunities for those equipped with advanced credentials, especially as demand is projected to grow.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,103 | $25.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,731 | $32.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,335 | $38.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,829 | $43.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,558 | $48.82 |
Median Salary Position
1.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,455 (2026 est.). At $80,335, the local median is 1.2% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be above the median
How Ashland Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Ashland median: $80,335/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $70,905 | +13.30% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | +1.20% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Ashland, KY earn a median of $80,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.20% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 13.30% above the Kentucky state average of $70,905.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $80,335 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,961 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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
$62,008
2025 BLS Actual
$77,320
2026 Current Est.
$80,335
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,392 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,519 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,469 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $62,008 (2019) to $77,320 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,469 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,461 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $53,103 – $66,731 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,731 – $80,335 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,335 – $90,829 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,829 – $101,558 |
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 Ashland
Ashland’s cost of living index is comparatively low at 89.3, which enhances the purchasing power of the dietitian and nutritionist pay in Ashland, KY. While specific employer salaries vary, positions in hospital clinical nutrition departments or outpatient diabetes and oncology clinics generally offer some of the highest wages. The disparity between the lower and higher end of the pay scale often stems from specialization, with roles that require specific credentials or experience, such as renal or oncology nutrition, commanding premium salaries. Additionally, those interested in cash-pay private practice or consulting for sports teams can further increase their income potential. To maximize earning opportunities in the Ashland market, pursuing advanced specialties, positioning oneself in high-demand clinical settings, or developing a private practice could be effective strategies for success.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Ashland, KY in 2026?
Is Ashland, KY a good place to work as a dietitian and nutritionist?
Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Ashland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dietitian and nutritionist salary in Ashland?
How much does a dietitian and nutritionist make per hour in Ashland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 $77,320 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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