Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Cookeville, TN: $66,761 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Cookeville, TN earns a median $66,761/year (≈ $32.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Cookeville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $72,724 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average compensation for dietitians and nutritionists in Cookeville, TN, is projected to be $66,761 annually, reflecting a competitive yet distinct market compared to the national median of $79,380. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $44,976 at the 10th percentile to $86,832 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability in compensation based on experience and specialties. These figures derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, which often influence local salary structures. The outlook for dietitian and nutritionist roles in Cookeville suggests steady demand, aligning with a broader growth trend within the field at a rate of 3.90% annually, making it a promising option for those starting or advancing their careers here.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,976 | $21.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,017 | $26.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,761 | $32.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,721 | $36.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,832 | $41.75 |
Median Salary Position
15.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cookeville
In Cookeville, TN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,856 (2026 est.). At $66,761, the local median is 15.9% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Cookeville: You'd be above the median
How Cookeville Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Cookeville median: $66,761/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cookeville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $70,275 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -15.90% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Cookeville, TN earn a median of $66,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.90% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $70,275.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cookeville 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.
Cookeville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $66,761 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,724 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,530
2025 BLS Actual
$64,255
2026 Current Est.
$66,761
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,061 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,887 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,603 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,761 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,365 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cookeville metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $51,530 (2019) to $64,255 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,365 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,835 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville 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) | $44,976 – $56,017 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,017 – $66,761 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,761 – $76,721 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,721 – $86,832 |
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 Cookeville
For dietitians and nutritionists in Cookeville, understanding the local job market is essential, as currently, there are only seven professionals employed in this field. The area's cost of living index stands at 91.8, indicating that expenses are generally lower than the national average; this can enhance the purchasing power of those in the profession. Employers such as hospital nutrition departments and outpatient clinics often provide higher pay, particularly for specialties like oncology and diabetes management. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors, including specialized credentials and whether one opts for cash-pay private practice or traditional settings. To maximize earning potential in Cookeville, professionals should pursue advanced credentials, consider niche specialties, and explore opportunities in corporate wellness firms or food industry roles, responding to the trend of increasing cash-pay practices for dietitians and nutritionists.
More salary data for Cookeville, 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 $64,255 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Cookeville 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 Cookeville 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