Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Smyrna, TN: $71,021 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Smyrna, TN earns a median $71,021/year (≈ $34.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $77,365 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Smyrna, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $71,021 in 2026. This figure, while competitive, is approximately 10.53% lower than the national median of $79,380. Local salaries range from $45,439 at the 10th percentile to $94,014 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variability based on specialty, employer type, and work setting. With an annual growth rate projected at 3.90%, the dietitian and nutritionist pay in Smyrna reflects regional demands, local healthcare needs, and emerging trends like cash-pay private practices that have gained traction among professionals seeking to bypass traditional insurance avenues.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,439 | $21.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,961 | $27.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,021 | $34.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,695 | $40.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,014 | $45.20 |
Median Salary Position
10.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,575 (2026 est.). At $71,021, the local median is 10.53% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be above the median
How Smyrna Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $71,021/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $70,248 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | -10.53% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $71,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $70,248.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $71,021 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,365 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,818
2025 BLS Actual
$68,355
2026 Current Est.
$71,021
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,447 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,453 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,343 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $54,818 (2019) to $68,355 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,973 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $45,439 – $57,961 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,961 – $71,021 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,021 – $83,695 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,695 – $94,014 |
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 Smyrna
Looking at the local job market, Smyrna has approximately 12 dietitians and nutritionists, underscoring a relatively small but essential workforce in the field. With a cost of living index of 91.8, professionals can enjoy an enhanced purchasing power compared to national averages, making Smyrna an attractive option for practitioners. Hospitals typically offer more stable employment, with clinical nutrition roles often providing the highest salaries, while private practices and corporate wellness programs may offer lucrative opportunities for those willing to run cash-pay operations. Factors such as specialty training—like renal or cardiac nutrition—and involvement in cash-pay models significantly influence income potential. For those looking to maximize their compensation in Smyrna, pursuing additional certifications or diversifying into niche markets, along with establishing a strong local presence, can lead to increased pay.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 $68,355 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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