Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $68,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $68,937/year (≈ $33.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $75,095 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Oak Ridge, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $68,937, reflecting the impact of the master's-degree requirement for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential that took effect in 2024. This salary estimates a range that spans from $44,095 at the lower end (P10) to $94,102 at the higher end (P90). These figures derive from BLS state-level data and adjustments for the local cost of living, which is notably lower in Oak Ridge, where the cost-of-living index is at 91.8. Despite this lower index, the dietitian and nutritionist pay in Oak Ridge TN does reveal a competitive local market for professionals in the field.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,095 | $21.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,323 | $27.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,937 | $33.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,130 | $38.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,102 | $45.24 |
Median Salary Position
13.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,007 (2026 est.). At $68,937, the local median is 13.16% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be above the median
How Oak Ridge Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $68,937/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $70,272 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -13.16% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $68,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $70,272.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge 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.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $68,937 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,095 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,209
2025 BLS Actual
$66,349
2026 Current Est.
$68,937
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,708 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,349 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,625 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $53,209 (2019) to $66,349 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,625 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,416 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $44,095 – $56,323 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,323 – $68,937 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,937 – $79,130 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,130 – $94,102 |
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 Oak Ridge
The job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Oak Ridge features six employed professionals, indicating limited competition but potentially stable opportunities for employment. With a cost of living index below the national average, practitioners enjoy a favorable environment when considering their take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital clinical nutrition departments tend to offer the most lucrative positions, though there are viable roles in long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics focusing on specific health issues. The variance in salary can often be attributed to specialty areas, as professionals with advanced training in fields such as renal care or oncology command higher pay. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in this market, pursuing cash-pay private practice or consulting for sports teams can significantly enhance income potential, given the rising trend for clients seeking specialized care outside traditional medical frameworks.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Oak Ridge, TN in 2026?
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Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Oak Ridge?
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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 $66,349 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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