Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Hickory, NC: $66,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Hickory, NC earns a median $66,974/year (≈ $32.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Hickory's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.5), that paycheck buys what $75,689 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With the transition to requiring a master's degree for dietitian and nutritionist credentials occurring in 2024, Hickory, NC, is experiencing shifts in compensation for these professionals. As of 2026, the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Hickory is projected at $66,974, which is approximately 15.63% lower than the national median of $79,380. Salary figures in this area range from $48,293 at the 10th percentile to $83,026 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variation based on factors such as experience, specialty, and employer type. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and reflects the ongoing demand for qualified dietetic professionals in Hickory’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,293 | $23.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,023 | $28.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,974 | $32.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,468 | $37.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,026 | $39.92 |
Median Salary Position
15.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hickory
In Hickory, NC, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,733 (2026 est.). At $66,974, the local median is 15.63% below the national median of $79,380.
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How Hickory Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Hickory median: $66,974/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hickory Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $69,910 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -15.63% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Hickory, NC earn a median of $66,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.63% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.20% below the North Carolina state average of $69,910.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hickory has a cost of living 11.51% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hickory, NC has a cost-of-living index of 88.486 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $66,974 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,689 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,950
2025 BLS Actual
$64,460
2026 Current Est.
$66,974
2019–2027 Growth
+26.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hickory (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hickory metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 17.3% from $54,950 (2019) to $64,460 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,636 (26.64%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hickory 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) | $48,293 – $60,023 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,023 – $66,974 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,974 – $77,468 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,468 – $83,026 |
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 Hickory
The local job market has 80 dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in Hickory, which suggests a stable demand for these roles. With a cost-of-living index of 88.486—below the national average—dietitians and nutritionists may find that their take-home pay allows them to enjoy a relatively comfortable lifestyle in the area. Among the highest-paying employers are hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics specializing in diabetes and cardiology. The disparity in salary within the field can largely be attributed to varying specialties, with those focused on renal care or oncology often earning more than general clinical roles. Additionally, private practice options, particularly those that operate on a cash-pay basis, can offer significant income potential. Professionals in Hickory should consider developing niche specialties, exploring both clinical and private practice settings, and remaining adaptable to maximize their earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Hickory, NC:
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 $64,460 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Hickory 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
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