Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Pontiac, MI: $67,553 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Pontiac, MI earns a median $67,553/year (≈ $32.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Pontiac's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $72,482 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Pontiac, Michigan, is estimated to be $67,553. This figure reflects a 14.90% deviation below the national median of $79,380. In this local context, salaries range significantly from $43,695 at the 10th percentile to $90,190 at the 90th percentile. Such estimates, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and adjusted for regional price differentials, illustrate the financial landscape for healthcare professionals in the region. With the ongoing shift in educational requirements, as the CDR mandates a master's degree for the RDN credential by 2024, Pontiac's market is increasingly shaped by the specialization and expertise of its workforce.
About the Pontiac Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,695 | $21.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,487 | $26.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,553 | $32.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,381 | $37.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,190 | $43.36 |
Median Salary Position
14.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pontiac
In Pontiac, MI, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,495 (2026 est.). At $67,553, the local median is 14.9% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pontiac: You'd be above the median
How Pontiac Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Pontiac median: $67,553/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pontiac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,930 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -14.90% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Pontiac, MI earn a median of $67,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.90% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.40% below the Michigan state average of $69,930.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pontiac has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pontiac, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $67,553 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,482 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,141
2025 BLS Actual
$65,017
2026 Current Est.
$67,553
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Pontiac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,549 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,599 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,553 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,187 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pontiac metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $52,141 (2019) to $65,017 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,187 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,046 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pontiac 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) | $43,695 – $55,487 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,487 – $67,553 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,553 – $78,381 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,381 – $90,190 |
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 Pontiac
The job market in Pontiac currently employs just 12 dietitians and nutritionists, indicating a relatively small sector within the healthcare community. The cost-of-living index in the area sits at 93.2, suggesting that while salaries may lag behind national averages, the purchasing power for local professionals has a favorable edge. Among the employers that typically offer the highest pay are hospital clinical nutrition departments and private practices, particularly those focused on cash-pay models. Factors like specialty training in renal CSR or oncology CSO roles can further differentiate earning potential, as these areas are often compensated at a premium compared to general clinical positions. To maximize pay in Pontiac's market, dietitians and nutritionists should consider pursuing specialty credentials and exploring opportunities in corporate wellness programs or consulting roles, which can enhance their income significantly beyond standard employment through traditional healthcare settings.
More salary data for Pontiac, MI:
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 $65,017 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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