Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Montana: $74,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median dietitian and nutritionist pay sits at $74,655/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1031. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $77,604 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Great Falls ($73,300), Bozeman ($72,323), Missoula ($71,874).
In 2026, the average median salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Montana is projected to be $74,654, which is 6.0% below the national median of $79,380. The highest-paying city in the state is Great Falls, where salaries reach $76,159, while Kalispell offers the lowest at $72,916, resulting in a salary gap of $3,243 between these locations. The differences in compensation can be attributed to cost of living, healthcare demand, and the concentration of specialized services available in urban versus rural areas. Montana has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that influence the earning potential and job functions of dietitians and nutritionists. The demand for these professionals is driven by a growing awareness of nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention, particularly in urban centers like Bozeman and Missoula, where salaries are projected at $75,144 and $74,677, respectively. With a total of 120 dietitians and nutritionists employed in the state, Montana's job market shows a growth rate of 3.90% annually according to 2025 BLS data. This steady growth indicates a positive outlook for career opportunities in the field, making it an opportune time for individuals considering this profession in Montana.
Montana Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $46,607 (lowest entry-level) to $106,555 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana dietitians and nutritionists earn 5.95% less than the national median ($-4,725/year difference).
Montana Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary Distribution (2026)
Dietitian and Nutritionist salaries in Montana range from $52,487 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $94,115 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $74,655. The Montana median is $4,725 below the US national median of $79,380. The average hourly rate is $35.89/hr. Approximately 120 dietitian and nutritionists are employed across 7 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,623
2025 BLS Actual
$71,852
2026 Current Est.
$74,655
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Montana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,623 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,335 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,614 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,893 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,566 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $57,623 (2019) to $71,852 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,566 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,943 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana 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 Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
Best Value Cities for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for dietitians and nutritionists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $74,579 | 93.526 | $79,741 |
| Great Falls | $76,159 | 96.2 | $79,167 |
| Bozeman | $75,144 | 96.2 | $78,112 |
| Missoula | $74,677 | 96.2 | $77,627 |
| Butte | $74,212 | 96.2 | $77,143 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $52,487 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $74,655 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $94,115 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Montana 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 Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for dietitians and nutritionists in Montana?
How does Montana dietitian and nutritionist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level dietitian and nutritionist salary in Montana?
How many dietitians and nutritionists are employed in Montana?
Which Montana 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 Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 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, 4-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