Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Portage, MI: $64,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Portage, MI earns a median $64,145/year (≈ $30.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Portage's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $68,825 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.3% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dietitians and nutritionists in Portage, Michigan, the projected 2026 annual median salary stands at $64,145, which is notably lower than the national median of $79,380. Local salaries range from $42,731 at the 10th percentile to $85,132 at the 90th percentile. These figures are reflective of regional cost adjustments derived from state-level data and emphasize a growing opportunity within a market that is less focused on traditional employment structures. Many professionals in this field are opting for cash-pay private practice, which may contribute to higher earnings potential for those who take this route, especially as the interest in personalized nutrition services continues to rise. The job market in Portage is currently home to seven engaged dietitians and nutritionists, indicating a niche field ripe for exploration.
About the Portage Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,731 | $20.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,465 | $25.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,145 | $30.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,752 | $35.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,132 | $40.93 |
Median Salary Position
19.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portage
In Portage, MI, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,401 (2026 est.). At $64,145, the local median is 19.19% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portage: You'd be above the median
How Portage Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Portage median: $64,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,951 | -8.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -19.19% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Portage, MI earn a median of $64,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.19% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 8.30% below the Michigan state average of $69,951.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portage 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.
Portage, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $64,145 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,825 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,511
2025 BLS Actual
$61,737
2026 Current Est.
$64,145
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,511 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,982 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,818 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,697 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,412 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,646 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portage metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $49,511 (2019) to $61,737 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,646 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,135 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portage 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) | $42,731 – $53,465 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,465 – $64,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,145 – $74,752 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,752 – $85,132 |
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 Portage
Analyzing the financial context for dietitian and nutritionist pay in Portage, MI reveals that the cost-of-living index is set at 93.2, slightly below the national average, which affects purchasing power and take-home pay. The most lucrative opportunities tend to be found in specialized settings, such as outpatient clinics focusing on diabetes, cardiology, and oncology, rather than general clinical roles. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include specialization in areas like renal nutrition or oncology, ownership of cash-pay practices, and potential consulting income from sports teams. Career advancement can also hinge on board specialties and the choice between public health and corporate wellness roles. Aspiring professionals in Portage should consider diversifying their credentials and seeking out opportunities that enhance their marketability and income potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Portage, 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 $61,737 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Portage 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 Portage 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