Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Syracuse, UT: $39,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Syracuse, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,305 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,066 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,598) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the dietitian and nutritionist field in Syracuse, Utah, can expect to start their careers with an entry-level salary projected at $39,305 in 2026. This amount reflects a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $62,598, highlighting the financial progression one can anticipate over their initial years in the profession. For early-career dietitians and nutritionists, salary growth from the P10 level through the P25 (which is $52,828) to the median could be realized as they gain experience and credentials. Syracuse is currently a moderately favorable market for new graduates, offering opportunities for growth as they establish their careers in a region with a lower cost of living than the national average.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Syracuse, UT typically start between $39,305 and $52,828 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,813 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,598 — 21.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Utah of $60,000 represents just 152.65% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($39,305/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $39,305 to $52,828, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse's moderate 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 Syracuse is $44,813 ( 114.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,305, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,118.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,970
2025 BLS Actual
$37,830
2026 Current Est.
$39,305
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,702 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,015 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,717 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,838 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, UT grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,970 in 2019 to $37,830 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,838. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
In Syracuse, a variety of employers engage entry-level dietitians and nutritionists, particularly in clinical settings. Hospitals often hire new RDNs for positions that span different departments, such as medical-surgical, ICU, and outpatient care. Facilities providing long-term care may partner with companies like Sodexo or Aramark to recruit new graduates. Additionally, public health programs, especially those focused on WIC, often provide attractive loan repayment options in shortage areas. Obtaining credentials like a Bachelor's degree in conjunction with an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship and achieving the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential is critical for boosting starting pay in the state. With the new requirement of a master’s degree effective in 2024, early professionals should plan accordingly to adapt to these changes if they wish to flourish and maximize their earnings potential more quickly in this evolving field.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Syracuse in 2026?
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Is nutrition school worth it in Syracuse?
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How do I become a dietitian and nutritionist in Utah?
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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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Syracuse 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