Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in South Dakota: $68,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median dietitian and nutritionist pay sits at $68,641/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1031. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $73,967 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rapid City ($71,720), Watertown ($68,173), Yankton ($68,151).
In South Dakota, the average median salary for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to be $68,642 in 2026, which is 13.5% lower than the national median of $79,380. The highest salaries are found in Rapid City, where dietitians can expect to earn approximately $74,517, while in Sioux Falls, the lowest salary is around $67,421. This salary disparity between cities can be attributed to varying demand for nutrition services, cost of living differences, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. South Dakota has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that govern professional practice, and these regulations can influence both salary levels and job availability. The demand for dietitians and nutritionists in the state is driven by an increasing focus on health and wellness, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.90% through 2026. Currently, there are 171 employed dietitians and nutritionists across the state, indicating a stable job market. Cities such as Watertown, Yankton, Spearfish, and Mitchell also offer competitive salaries, reflecting regional economic conditions and healthcare needs. Overall, while the salaries may not match national averages, opportunities exist for growth and professional development in South Dakota's healthcare landscape.
South Dakota Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $44,570 (lowest entry-level) to $101,670 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota dietitians and nutritionists earn 13.53% less than the national median ($-10,739/year difference).
South Dakota Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary Distribution (2026)
Dietitian and Nutritionist salaries in South Dakota range from $50,467 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $85,658 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $68,641. The South Dakota median is $10,739 below the US national median of $79,380. The average hourly rate is $33.00/hr. Approximately 171 dietitian and nutritionists are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,456
2025 BLS Actual
$66,065
2026 Current Est.
$68,641
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,456 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,123 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,318 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 21.3% from $54,456 (2019) to $66,065 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,318 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,862 (30.96%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota 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 South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $67,421 |
| Huron | $67,934 |
| Vermillion | $68,039 |
| Brookings | $68,056 |
| Pierre | $69,208 |
Best Value Cities for Dietitians and Nutritionists in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for dietitians and nutritionists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $74,517 | 92.8 | $80,298 |
| Watertown | $70,832 | 92.8 | $76,328 |
| Yankton | $70,809 | 92.8 | $76,303 |
| Spearfish | $70,632 | 92.8 | $76,112 |
| Mitchell | $70,122 | 92.8 | $75,563 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $50,467 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $68,641 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $85,658 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid City | $74,517 |
| 2 | Watertown | $70,832 |
| 3 | Yankton | $70,809 |
| 4 | Spearfish | $70,632 |
| 5 | Mitchell | $70,122 |
| 6 | Aberdeen | $70,005 |
| 7 | Pierre | $69,208 |
| 8 | Brookings | $68,056 |
| 9 | Vermillion | $68,039 |
| 10 | Huron | $67,934 |
| 11 | Sioux Falls | $67,421 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in South Dakota 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 South Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for dietitians and nutritionists in South Dakota?
How does South Dakota dietitian and nutritionist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level dietitian and nutritionist salary in South Dakota?
How many dietitians and nutritionists are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota 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 South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 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, 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