Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Memphis, TN: $56,511 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,511 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,306 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,130) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduates stepping into the field of dietetics in Memphis, TN, can expect initial earnings reflective of the local market dynamics, with a starting dietitian and nutritionist salary projected to be around $56,511 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the overall city median of $75,130. However, as new professionals gain experience, there is an upward trajectory in earnings potential, with the possibility of reaching the 25th percentile salary of $64,927 within a few years. With a growth rate projected at 3.90% annually, Memphis currently positions itself as a viable market for recent graduates, albeit with salaries slightly trailing the national median of $79,380.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Memphis, TN typically start between $56,511 and $64,927 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,550 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,130 — 5.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Tennessee of $55,000 represents just 97.33% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($56,511/year) in Memphis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEND-accredited dietetics program data and university tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state, public out-of-state, private) and degree level (bachelor's vs. master's).
DN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $56,511 to $64,927, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nutrition field — employers in TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Memphis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Compensation Range
The dietitian and nutritionist wage spread in Memphis is $41,550 ( 73.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,511, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,061.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,060
2025 BLS Actual
$54,390
2026 Current Est.
$56,511
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,511 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,715 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 29.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,060 in 2019 to $54,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,715. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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.
Starting Your nutrition Career in Memphis
In Memphis, various employers actively recruit new graduates in the dietitian and nutritionist field. Hospitals play a significant role, especially within clinical nutrition departments that offer rotation programs across different patient care settings like med-surg and outpatient. Additionally, long-term care facilities often partner with service providers such as Sodexo, Aramark, or Morrison to fulfill their dietary staffing needs. In the public health sector, WIC programs frequently provide loan repayment options to attract new RDNs in regions with workforce shortages. To enhance starting pay in Tennessee, it is essential for new graduates to complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, obtain their CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential, and pursue state licenses or certifications as necessary. As of 2024, earning a master’s degree will be mandatory for new RDNs, creating competitive edges through specialization certifications, which could further impact salary growth. Given the evolving requirements in the field, newly credentialed dietitians can realistically expect their salaries to increase steadily during the first 1-3 years, particularly if they pursue opportunities that align with emerging trends such as cash-pay private practices and intuitive eating frameworks.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nutrition graduates. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Memphis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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