Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Owatonna, MN: $77,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Owatonna, MN earns a median $77,617/year (≈ $37.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Owatonna's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $78,799 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Owatonna, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $77,617. This figure indicates a slightly lower earning potential when compared to the national median of $79,380. As the field transitions to requiring a master’s degree for entry-level positions—effective since 2024—Owatonna’s local salaries range from $49,167 at the 10th percentile to $100,026 at the 90th percentile. Such data reflects estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, illustrating that while the overall pay aligns closely with national trends, the educational shifts may influence future compensation structures.
About the Owatonna Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,167 | $23.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,818 | $30.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,617 | $37.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,632 | $42.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,026 | $48.08 |
Median Salary Position
2.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Owatonna
In Owatonna, MN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,859 (2026 est.). At $77,617, the local median is 2.22% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Owatonna: You'd be above the median
How Owatonna Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Owatonna median: $77,617/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Owatonna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $78,165 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -2.22% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Owatonna, MN earn a median of $77,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $78,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Owatonna 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.
Owatonna, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $77,617 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $78,799 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,910
2025 BLS Actual
$74,704
2026 Current Est.
$77,617
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,975 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,402 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,704 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,645 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Owatonna metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $59,910 (2019) to $74,704 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,645 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,735 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owatonna 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) | $49,167 – $62,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,818 – $77,617 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,617 – $88,632 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,632 – $100,026 |
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 Owatonna
Currently, there are only six dietitians and nutritionists employed in Owatonna, indicating a smaller job market that could limit opportunities but may also create a more concentrated competitive field. The city's cost-of-living index, standing at 98.5, suggests that lifestyle affordability is slightly below the national average, potentially enhancing the take-home purchasing power for local professionals. Among the various employers, those in hospital clinical nutrition departments and private practice could offer the highest salaries, especially in specialties like renal care or sports nutrition. The pay disparity within this profession is driven by factors such as specialty certifications, private practice ownership, and the choice between public health roles and corporate wellness programs. To maximize pay potential in Owatonna, emerging professionals should focus on gaining specialized certifications and consider establishing a cash-pay private practice to cater to the increasing demand for personalized nutrition services.
More salary data for Owatonna, 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 $74,704 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Owatonna 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 Owatonna 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