Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Hopkinsville, KY: $69,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Hopkinsville, KY earns a median $69,076/year (≈ $33.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Hopkinsville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $77,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hopkinsville, KY, dietitians and nutritionists can expect a median annual salary of $69,076 in 2026. This local figure, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, suggests that professionals in the area earn about 12.98% less than the national median of $79,380. The projected salary range for this profession is substantial, with the lower 10% earning around $43,692 and the upper 90% nearing $93,198. This variability highlights the financial considerations between pursuing a cash-pay private practice versus a hospital-based W-2 position. With multiple employment settings available, such as outpatient programs or school district food services, the job market in Hopkinsville presents diverse pathways for professionals in dietary fields.
About the Hopkinsville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,692 | $21.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,858 | $26.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,076 | $33.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,833 | $37.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,198 | $44.81 |
Median Salary Position
12.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hopkinsville
In Hopkinsville, KY, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,506 (2026 est.). At $69,076, the local median is 12.98% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Hopkinsville: You'd be above the median
How Hopkinsville Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Hopkinsville median: $69,076/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hopkinsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $70,920 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -12.98% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Hopkinsville, KY earn a median of $69,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.98% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.60% below the Kentucky state average of $70,920.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hopkinsville 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.
Hopkinsville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $69,076 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,353 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,317
2025 BLS Actual
$66,483
2026 Current Est.
$69,076
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hopkinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,317 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,901 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,648 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,825 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,635 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hopkinsville metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $53,317 (2019) to $66,483 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,453 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hopkinsville 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) | $43,692 – $55,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,858 – $69,076 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,076 – $78,833 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,833 – $93,198 |
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 Hopkinsville
The job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Hopkinsville is characterized by a small but dedicated workforce, currently employing six professionals in the area. The cost of living index sits at 89.3, indicating lower living costs compared to the national average, which can positively impact the take-home purchasing power of local dietitians. Employers such as clinical hospitals and outpatient diabetes clinics typically offer the highest salaries among various settings. Job pay differences stem from specialization, with niche areas like renal or oncology nutrition commanding higher compensation, along with the financial benefits of cash-pay practice ownership. To maximize income in Hopkinsville, dietitians and nutritionists should consider developing specialized skills, expanding into corporate wellness, or incorporating services that cater to specific populations while navigating both private practice and community health options.
More salary data for Hopkinsville, KY:
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 $66,483 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Hopkinsville 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 Hopkinsville 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