Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Tumwater, WA: $79,897 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Tumwater, WA earns a median $79,897/year (≈ $38.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Tumwater's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $74,392 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the annual median salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Tumwater, Washington, is projected to be $79,897, reflecting a slight increase of 0.65% compared to the national median of $79,380. The salary range for this profession in the area provides a diverse outlook, with the bottom 10% earning around $50,800 and the top 10% receiving up to $108,704. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and incorporate regional price parity adjustments, offering a tailored view of compensation specific to Tumwater's economic landscape. With the recent transition to a master’s degree as the minimum requirement by 2024, the demand for qualified professionals is likely to influence salary growth, making this an opportune time to enter the field.
About the Tumwater Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,800 | $24.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,144 | $32.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,897 | $38.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,770 | $43.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,704 | $52.26 |
Median Salary Position
0.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tumwater
In Tumwater, WA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,904 (2026 est.). At $79,897, the local median is 0.65% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tumwater: You'd be above the median
How Tumwater Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Tumwater median: $79,897/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tumwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $81,946 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | +0.65% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Tumwater, WA earn a median of $79,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 2.50% below the Washington state average of $81,946.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tumwater has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tumwater, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,897 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,392 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,669
2025 BLS Actual
$76,898
2026 Current Est.
$79,897
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,501 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,883 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,134 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,898 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,897 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,013 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tumwater metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $61,669 (2019) to $76,898 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,013 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,344 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tumwater 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) | $50,800 – $68,144 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,144 – $79,897 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,897 – $89,770 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,770 – $108,704 |
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 Tumwater
The job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Tumwater is relatively small, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost-of-living index sits at 107.4, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat constrained due to higher living costs. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics often lead with higher pay, particularly for specialists in renal care or oncology. This pay disparity can arise from the complexities of different practice areas, including cash-pay private practices and corporate wellness programs that frequently offer lucrative options for those with advanced credentials. Dietitians looking to maximize their earnings in Tumwater should consider focusing on specialized sectors, negotiating contracts in cash-pay settings, or pursuing board specialty stipends which can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Tumwater, 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 $76,898 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Tumwater 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 Tumwater 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