Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $78,808 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Bismarck, ND earns a median $78,808/year (≈ $37.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $86,579 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% above the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, the 2026 median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to be $78,808, positioning it slightly below the national median of $79,380. With salaries ranging from $64,460 at the 10th percentile to $88,409 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect the evolving landscape of the profession following the master's degree requirement transition that took effect in 2024. This shift is impacting the entry-level compensation for new registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), as the heightened educational qualifications align with the skills demanded in today’s health-focused environment. According to data derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, the Bismarck market shows signs of growth for dietitians and nutritionists, indicating a robust need for these professionals in various settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,460 | $30.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,270 | $31.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,808 | $37.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,951 | $38.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,409 | $42.51 |
Median Salary Position
0.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,949 (2026 est.). At $78,808, the local median is 0.72% below the national median of $79,380.
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How Bismarck Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $78,808/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $73,038 | +7.90% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | -0.72% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $78,808 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.72% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.90% above the North Dakota state average of $73,038.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.98% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 91.024 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $78,808 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,579 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.86% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,430
2025 BLS Actual
$75,850
2026 Current Est.
$78,808
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,808 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,882 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 29.8% from $58,430 (2019) to $75,850 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,882 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,452 (40.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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) | $64,460 – $65,270 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,270 – $78,808 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,808 – $79,951 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,951 – $88,409 |
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 Bismarck
The local market for dietitians and nutritionists in Bismarck currently employs around 70 professionals, suggesting a stable demand for services. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 91.024, salaries in this region offer decent purchasing power relative to daily expenses. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities are among the highest-paying in the area, which can significantly influence overall earnings. The salary variance often stems from specialization in fields like renal nutrition or oncology, as well as the choice between traditional employment routes versus emerging cash-pay private practices, which have gained traction recently. For those in Bismarck, advancing through specialty certifications or exploring consulting opportunities with sports teams can substantially enhance earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 $75,850 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Bismarck 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