Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Elk River, MN: $76,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Elk River, MN earns a median $76,604/year (≈ $36.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $77,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists is $76,604 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $79,380. The local salary range is broad, spanning from $53,154 at the 10th percentile to $104,355 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse landscape of job opportunities in the field. Professionals in Elk River often face a choice between private practice, which typically offers cash-pay options, and traditional hospital employment with W-2 structures. This decision can have a significant impact on earnings, as those in cash-pay roles may command higher fees and retain more income than those working within structured salary environments at hospitals or clinics.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,154 | $25.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,418 | $31.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,604 | $36.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,150 | $41.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,355 | $50.17 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,201 (2026 est.). At $76,604, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Elk River median: $76,604/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $78,168 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -3.50% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Elk River, MN earn a median of $76,604 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $78,168.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $76,604 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,771 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,128
2025 BLS Actual
$73,729
2026 Current Est.
$76,604
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,128 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,884 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,244 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,483 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,592 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $59,128 (2019) to $73,729 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,592 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,464 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $53,154 – $65,418 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,418 – $76,604 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,604 – $86,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,150 – $104,355 |
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 Elk River
Despite having only four dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in the Elk River area, the demand for nutrition professionals is driven by the local cost-of-living index, which stands at 98.5—below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance take-home pay substantially. Among local employers, those in long-term care facilities and private practices often offer higher compensation, particularly for specialists in areas such as renal and oncology nutrition. The pay discrepancies within the field can be influenced by factors such as specialty credentials, the ownership of cash-pay practices, and consulting roles with sports teams. Dietitians and nutritionists looking to maximize their salaries can consider diversifying their practices, pursuing board certifications, or engaging with corporate wellness programs, which can lead to substantial financial benefits in this Minnesota market.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
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 $73,729 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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