Senior Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Hilo, HI: $119,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of dietitians and nutritionists working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $119,837/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1031. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $100,450 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, experienced dietitians and nutritionists looking to maximize their earning potential will find promising compensation paths in 2026. With top-tier salaries reaching as high as $119,837 for the 90th percentile, individuals in this profession can achieve impressive financial rewards that significantly surpass the local median of $89,863. The gap highlights the value placed on years of expertise and specialization, with many reaching these heights through advanced clinical roles or integrative practices. Additionally, as senior professionals bring greater knowledge and refined techniques to the market, they can leverage their skills toward lucrative opportunities, especially in areas where demand for services is increasing.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced dietitian and nutritionists at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $105,071 and $119,837 per year (2026 est.). This $59,487 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $89,863 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top DN Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $89,863 | $79,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,071 | $92,824 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $119,837 | $107,765 |
In Hilo, experienced dietitians and nutritionists (P90) earn 33.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI dietitians and nutritionists with additional specialty certifications within the nutrition field earn significantly above the $89,863 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Dietitians and Nutritionists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nutrition field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $105,071–$119,837 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced dietitians and nutritionists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured dietitians and nutritionists in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Dietitian and Nutritionist
5-10 yearsDietitian and Nutritionist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner dietitian and nutritionist salary (90th percentile: $119,837).
Top 10% dietitian and nutritionist compensation in Hilo ($119,837) is 7.04% above the Hawaii average P90 ($111,958).
2019 BLS Actual
$97,146
2025 BLS Actual
$115,339
2026 Current Est.
$119,837
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,082 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,787 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,901 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,511 | Projected |
Top-earning dietitians and nutritionists (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 18.7% from $97,146 in 2019 to $115,339 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.90% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $124,511 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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.
Maximizing Your Dietitian and Nutritionist Earnings in Hilo
Specialization is one of the key strategies for boosting senior dietitian and nutritionist pay in HI. Areas such as renal nutrition, oncology, pediatric nutrition, and sports dietetics often command premium salaries for those with specific expertise and advanced credentials. The compensation landscape further varies by setting, with clinical nutrition positions in hospitals generally offering stable incomes compared to private practice opportunities that allow for greater flexibility and potentially higher earnings, particularly in cash-pay models. Leadership roles abound, with pathways leading to positions such as clinical nutrition managers or food service directors, which not only provide enhanced salary packages but also offer fulfillment through mentorship and program development. As requirements shift, with the new master's degree mandate for RDNs starting in 2024, those who invest in continued education and hold advanced specialty certifications have a competitive edge. Non-salary factors also play a role in compensation, where flexibility in practice type and specialty focus lead to increased satisfaction and financial reward in the vibrant market of Hilo.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced dietitians and nutritionists make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher dietitian and nutritionist pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost dietitian and nutritionist salary in Hilo?
Can experienced dietitians and nutritionists make six figures in Hilo?
How much does dietitian and nutritionist salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $115,339 for dietitians and nutritionists in the Hilo metro area. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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