Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Tukwila, WA: $75,783 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Tukwila, WA earns a median $75,783/year (≈ $36.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $70,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, WA, the salary landscape for dietitians and nutritionists reflects significant changes brought on by the master's-required transition mandated by the CDR effective 2024. Current projections suggest a median annual salary of $75,783 for this profession, demonstrating a competitive position relative to the national median of $79,380. Local estimates indicate a salary range between $53,169 at the 10th percentile and $96,236 at the 90th percentile, highlighting considerable earning potential for those with specialized expertise. This data, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, signals both opportunities and challenges within the Tukwila job market, particularly as the demand for master’s-level professionals increases.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,169 | $25.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,235 | $30.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,783 | $36.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,950 | $41.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,236 | $46.27 |
Median Salary Position
4.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,067 (2026 est.). At $75,783, the local median is 4.53% below the national median of $79,380.
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How Tukwila Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $75,783/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,016 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -4.53% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $75,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.53% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $82,016.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,783 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,561 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,494
2025 BLS Actual
$72,938
2026 Current Est.
$75,783
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,418 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,783 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,738 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $58,494 (2019) to $72,938 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,738 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,244 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $53,169 – $63,235 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,235 – $75,783 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,783 – $85,950 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,950 – $96,236 |
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 Tukwila
The local job market in Tukwila currently employs four dietitians and nutritionists, evidencing a small but focused workforce in this sector. With a cost of living index of 107.4, professionals need to be strategic about their earnings to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while taking into account local expenses. Top-paying employers may include hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialized outpatient clinics, while cash-pay private practices are gaining traction due to the growing demand for intuitive eating and health-at-every-size approaches. The variation in compensation often stems from specialization in areas like renal care, oncology, or sports nutrition, with skilled professionals able to command higher rates. For those in Tukwila looking to enhance their dietitian and nutritionist pay, pursuing additional certifications, securing positions in high-demand settings, or exploring ownership opportunities in private practice can be effective strategies in navigating this evolving financial landscape.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
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 $72,938 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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