Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Paducah, KY: $67,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Paducah, KY earns a median $67,376/year (≈ $32.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Paducah's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $75,449 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Paducah, KY, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $67,376, which is notably lower than the national median of $79,380, reflecting a difference of 15.12%. The salary for this profession in Paducah ranges from $45,426 at the 10th percentile to $90,226 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level data alongside regional price adjustments, highlight the unique compensation landscape emerging in this area, particularly after the transition to requiring a master's degree for new entrants in the field, effective in 2024. This shift is expected to impact job opportunities and salary expectations as the market adjusts to the new educational standards.
About the Paducah Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,426 | $21.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,559 | $27.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,376 | $32.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,804 | $37.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,226 | $43.38 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paducah
In Paducah, KY, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,800 (2026 est.). At $67,376, the local median is 15.12% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paducah: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paducah Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Paducah median: $67,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paducah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $70,922 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -15.12% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Paducah, KY earn a median of $67,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.00% below the Kentucky state average of $70,922.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paducah has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paducah, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $67,376 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,449 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,005
2025 BLS Actual
$64,847
2026 Current Est.
$67,376
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,005 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,402 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,143 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,004 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paducah metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $52,005 (2019) to $64,847 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,004 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,999 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paducah 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) | $45,426 – $56,559 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,559 – $67,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,376 – $78,804 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,804 – $90,226 |
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 Paducah
Employment opportunities for dietitians and nutritionists in Paducah are limited, with only six professionals currently working in the area, suggesting a niche market for those entering the field. The local cost of living index is 89.3, which is below the national average, meaning that salaries in Paducah may go further in terms of purchasing power compared to more expensive cities. Job roles in hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities tend to offer the highest pay, while outpatient clinics and school districts may provide a more stable but lower salary range. Factors influencing pay differences include specialty training, ownership of cash-pay private practices, and the choice between public health and corporate wellness settings. For those looking to increase their dietitian and nutritionist pay in Paducah, pursuing specialized training, expanding into cash-based models, or seeking positions at high-paying employers can be key strategies for maximizing income potential.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $64,847 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Paducah 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 Paducah 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