Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Grand Island, NE: $70,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Grand Island, NE earns a median $70,896/year (≈ $34.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Grand Island's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $77,482 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Grand Island, Nebraska, is projected to reach a median of $70,896 annually, reflecting a competitive position compared to national standards. This figure indicates a range from $47,055 at the lower end to $95,970 at the upper end, highlighting the diverse earning potential within the profession. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, suggest that Grand Island's job market for dietitians and nutritionists is robust, especially as the field transitions toward requiring a master’s degree for credentialing after 2024. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals considering employment in Grand Island, where the demand for skilled nutrition experts is expected to grow.
About the Grand Island Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,055 | $22.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,579 | $27.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,896 | $34.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,269 | $40.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,970 | $46.14 |
Median Salary Position
10.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Island
In Grand Island, NE, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,915 (2026 est.). At $70,896, the local median is 10.69% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Grand Island: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Grand Island Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Grand Island median: $70,896/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $72,640 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -10.69% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Grand Island, NE earn a median of $70,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $72,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Island has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Island, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $70,896 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,482 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,722
2025 BLS Actual
$68,235
2026 Current Est.
$70,896
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,722 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,348 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,235 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,661 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Island metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $54,722 (2019) to $68,235 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,661 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,939 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Island 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) | $47,055 – $57,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,579 – $70,896 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,896 – $83,269 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,269 – $95,970 |
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 Grand Island
The job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Grand Island is currently home to 14 professionals, indicating a niche yet solid demand for their skills. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 91.5, which sits below the national average, the potential for increased purchasing power is evident. Higher salaries tend to be found in institutions such as hospital clinical nutrition departments, long-term care facilities, and specialty outpatient clinics focusing on diabetes or oncology care. Variations in income arise from specialization, particularly where advanced competencies, such as renal care or board certifications, provide leverage in negotiations. To maximize pay within this market, professionals should consider avenues like cash-pay private practices or consulting roles that can capitalize on expertise that extends beyond traditional settings, which may otherwise offer more limited compensation. The rise of intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES) models also presents new business opportunities within Grand Island, potentially diversifying income streams for registered dietitian nutritionists.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
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 $68,235 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Grand Island 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 Grand Island 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