Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Marion, IA: $75,316 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Marion, IA earns a median $75,316/year (≈ $36.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Marion's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $83,314 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Registered dietitians and nutritionists in Marion, Iowa, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $75,316 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $79,380, reflecting the specific economic conditions of the area. In Marion, salaries can vary widely based on experience and setting, ranging from $48,693 at the lower 10th percentile to $98,263 at the 90th percentile. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected for 2026, considering local region price parities and employment structures, such as cash-pay private practice versus more traditional hospital-based roles. The Marion market offers unique dynamics that influence compensation, including a small pool of employed professionals, currently numbering only six dietitians and nutritionists.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,693 | $23.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,740 | $29.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,316 | $36.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,681 | $41.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,263 | $47.24 |
Median Salary Position
5.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marion
In Marion, IA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,570 (2026 est.). At $75,316, the local median is 5.12% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Marion: You'd be above the median
How Marion Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Marion median: $75,316/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $76,619 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -5.12% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Marion, IA earn a median of $75,316 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.12% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $76,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marion has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Marion, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $75,316 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,314 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,134
2025 BLS Actual
$72,489
2026 Current Est.
$75,316
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,134 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,048 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,316 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,253 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marion metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $58,134 (2019) to $72,489 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,253 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,119 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marion 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) | $48,693 – $61,740 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,740 – $75,316 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,316 – $86,681 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,681 – $98,263 |
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 Marion
In terms of job market dynamics, Marion’s cost of living index is at 90.4, indicating a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. This lower cost can enhance the purchasing power of local salaries, making employment in outpatient settings, like diabetes and oncology clinics, appealing for those seeking competitive pay. However, the top-paying positions are often found within hospital clinical nutrition departments, skilled nursing facilities, or corporate wellness roles, where specialized knowledge can yield higher salaries. Moreover, those with advanced certifications or in cash-pay private practices may command increased earnings due to the demand for niche services. To maximize earnings in Marion, dietitians and nutritionists should consider pursuing board specialties, expanding their service offerings, and exploring consulting roles within local sports teams or wellness programs. Such strategies can significantly influence earning potential within this growing field.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
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 $72,489 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Marion 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 Marion 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