Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Columbia, TN: $68,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Columbia, TN earns a median $68,473/year (≈ $32.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $74,589 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, TN, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists is $68,473 in 2026, reflecting the significant changes initiated by the master's-required transition in 2024. The salary range for these professionals in the area varies widely between $43,320 (P10) and $92,396 (P90), indicating a substantial spectrum of opportunities dependent on experience, specialization, and work setting. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, supplemented by adjustments for regional price variations. The local job market in Columbia demonstrates a growing demand for qualified dietitians and nutritionists, which aligns with the increasing emphasis on nutrition-related health services within the community.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,378 | $26.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,473 | $32.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,722 | $38.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,396 | $44.42 |
Median Salary Position
13.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,076 (2026 est.). At $68,473, the local median is 13.74% 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: $68,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $70,229 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -13.74% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Columbia, TN earn a median of $68,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.74% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $70,229.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $68,473 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,589 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,852
2025 BLS Actual
$65,903
2026 Current Est.
$68,473
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
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 | $52,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,422 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,678 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,144 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $52,852 (2019) to $65,903 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,144 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,292 (34.61%) 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) | $43,320 – $55,378 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,378 – $68,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,473 – $80,722 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,722 – $92,396 |
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
With only 10 dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in Columbia, the job market remains relatively small, contributing to a competitive landscape. The area's cost of living index stands at 91.8, which is below the national average, allowing for greater purchasing power despite the lower overall wages compared to the national median of $79,380. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics often offer the highest salaries, with opportunities for higher earnings existing in specialized roles such as renal or oncology nutrition. The disparity in income levels is influenced by various factors, including professional specialization, the choice between public health versus corporate wellness settings, and the growing trend of cash-pay practices. For those looking to maximize their pay in Columbia, pursuing board specialties or ownership in private practice can be effective strategies, enabling professionals to command higher rates for their expertise in this evolving field.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
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 $65,903 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
Salary data for Columbia 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