Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Columbia, SC: $70,735 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Columbia, SC earns a median $70,735/year (≈ $34.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.7), that paycheck buys what $75,522 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the estimated annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia, South Carolina, will be approximately $70,735, reflective of the broader trend following the transition to a master's-required credential by 2024. With salaries ranging from $37,581 at the 10th percentile to as high as $98,726 at the 90th percentile, this data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and indicates a diverse pay scale across the profession. While the local salary is somewhat lower than the national median of $79,380, it remains competitive, particularly considering the evolving educational landscape. This shift is impacting entry-level talent, pushing newcomers to secure advanced degrees, which may contribute to a slight uptick in demand for dietitian services within the community.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,581 | $18.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,147 | $25.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,735 | $34.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,725 | $39.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,726 | $47.46 |
Median Salary Position
10.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, SC, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,145 (2026 est.). At $70,735, the local median is 10.89% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be above the median
How Columbia Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $70,735/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $79,380 | -10.89% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Columbia, SC earn a median of $70,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.89% lower than the national median of $79,380.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 6.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.662 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $70,735 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,522 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,780
2025 BLS Actual
$68,080
2026 Current Est.
$70,735
2019–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,735 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,494 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.3% from $54,780 (2019) to $68,080 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,494 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,714 (34.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $37,581 – $52,147 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,147 – $70,735 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,735 – $82,725 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,725 – $98,726 |
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 Columbia
Examining the local job market reveals that Columbia employs around 170 dietitians and nutritionists. The cost of living index stands at 93.662, indicating that living expenses are modest relative to the national average, allowing for potentially greater take-home pay. Among local employers, clinical nutrition departments in hospitals often offer the highest compensation, while opportunities in outpatient clinics and corporate wellness programs are also prevalent. The pay disparity within the field can be significant; specialties such as renal nutrition or oncology can yield higher earnings compared to general clinical roles. For those looking to maximize their dietitian and nutritionist pay in Columbia, strategic choices like pursuing cash-pay private practice or consulting roles, alongside continual specialization, can markedly enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Columbia?
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Related Pages
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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 $68,080 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Columbia 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