Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Mississippi: $66,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Mississippi's 20 metropolitan areas, the average median dietitian and nutritionist pay sits at $66,513/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1031. Because Mississippi sits at BEA RPP 85.7 (14% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $77,611 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Biloxi ($67,305), Gulfport ($66,520), Pearl ($64,855).
In Mississippi, dietitians and nutritionists earn an average median salary of $66,513, which is significantly lower than the national median of $79,380, reflecting a difference of 16.2%. The highest paying city in the state is Biloxi, with a salary of $69,930, while the lowest is Clinton at $62,548, creating a salary gap of $7,382. This disparity is influenced by various factors including the presence of healthcare facilities, the cost of living in different areas, and demand for nutrition services. As of 2026, there are approximately 357 dietitians and nutritionists employed in Mississippi, with an annual growth rate projected at 3.90%. State licensing requirements ensure that professionals meet specific qualifications, which may influence career entry and job availability. Additionally, the scope of practice laws guide the services these professionals can provide, impacting demand within the state. Key metropolitan areas shaping the job market include Gulfport at $69,114, Pearl at $67,384, Tupelo at $67,368, and Madison at $67,099. Overall, the job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Mississippi indicates steady growth, driven by an increasing awareness of nutrition's role in health and wellness.
Mississippi Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Mississippi: $41,182 (lowest entry-level) to $92,991 (highest top earner)
Mississippi vs National Average
Mississippi dietitians and nutritionists earn 16.21% less than the national median ($-12,867/year difference).
Mississippi Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary Distribution (2026)
Dietitian and Nutritionist salaries in Mississippi range from $44,313 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $87,348 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $66,513. The Mississippi median is $12,867 below the US national median of $79,380. The average hourly rate is $31.98/hr. Approximately 357 dietitian and nutritionists are employed across 20 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,366
2025 BLS Actual
$64,016
2026 Current Est.
$66,513
2019–2027 Growth
+22.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Mississippi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,074 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,943 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,977 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,107 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mississippi metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 13.6% from $56,366 (2019) to $64,016 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,107 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,741 (22.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mississippi 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Mississippi
Lowest Paying Cities in Mississippi
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinton | $62,548 |
| Laurel | $62,916 |
| Columbus | $63,970 |
| Hernando | $64,042 |
| Olive Branch | $64,364 |
Best Value Cities for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Mississippi
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Mississippi cities offer the most purchasing power for dietitians and nutritionists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biloxi | $69,930 | 85.7 | $81,599 |
| Pearl | $67,384 | 85.7 | $78,628 |
| Tupelo | $67,368 | 85.7 | $78,609 |
| Madison | $67,099 | 85.7 | $78,295 |
| Southaven | $66,920 | 85.7 | $78,086 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Mississippi
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $44,313 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $66,513 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $87,348 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Mississippi metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 20 Cities in Mississippi
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biloxi | $69,930 |
| 2 | Gulfport | $69,114 |
| 3 | Pearl | $67,384 |
| 4 | Tupelo | $67,368 |
| 5 | Madison | $67,099 |
| 6 | Southaven | $66,920 |
| 7 | Horn Lake | $66,645 |
| 8 | Jackson | $66,184 |
| 9 | Starkville | $66,154 |
| 10 | Ridgeland | $65,316 |
| 11 | Vicksburg | $65,316 |
| 12 | Hattiesburg | $64,908 |
| 13 | Oxford | $64,903 |
| 14 | Brandon | $64,835 |
| 15 | Meridian | $64,491 |
| 16 | Olive Branch | $64,364 |
| 17 | Hernando | $64,042 |
| 18 | Columbus | $63,970 |
| 19 | Laurel | $62,916 |
| 20 | Clinton | $62,548 |
More Mississippi Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Mississippi cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced dietitians and nutritionists.
Explore More Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Mississippi in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for dietitians and nutritionists in Mississippi?
How does Mississippi dietitian and nutritionist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level dietitian and nutritionist salary in Mississippi?
How many dietitians and nutritionists are employed in Mississippi?
Which Mississippi city offers the best value for dietitians and nutritionists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 dietitian and nutritionist compensation across Mississippi. State averages are employment-weighted across 20 metro areas — larger metro areas with more dietitians and nutritionistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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