Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Mankato, MN: $75,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Mankato, MN earns a median $75,179/year (≈ $36.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Mankato's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $76,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Mankato, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $75,179, slightly below the national median of $79,380. The salary range for this profession in Mankato varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at around $52,096 and top earners making as much as $102,331. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, which reflect a cost-of-living index of 98.5, indicating a slightly lower cost environment than the national average. The local job market, while not extensive, offers opportunities in various sectors, influencing competition and compensation structures.
About the Mankato Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,096 | $25.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,149 | $30.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,179 | $36.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,497 | $40.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,331 | $49.20 |
Median Salary Position
5.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mankato
In Mankato, MN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,235 (2026 est.). At $75,179, the local median is 5.29% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mankato: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mankato Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Mankato median: $75,179/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mankato Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $78,149 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -5.29% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Mankato, MN earn a median of $75,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $78,149.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mankato has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mankato, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $75,179 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,324 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,028
2025 BLS Actual
$72,357
2026 Current Est.
$75,179
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,751 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,388 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,357 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,111 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mankato metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $58,028 (2019) to $72,357 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,111 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,083 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mankato 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) | $52,096 – $64,149 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,149 – $75,179 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,179 – $84,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,497 – $102,331 |
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 Mankato
With eight dietitians and nutritionists employed in Mankato, those seeking to build their careers in this field must consider the local economic dynamics carefully. The cost of living being slightly lower than the national average can enhance purchasing power, but the competition remains. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics specializing in diabetes or cardiology typically offer competitive salaries, while long-term care facilities and school district programs may provide a different pay scale. The disparity between lower and higher salaries is often driven by specialization, with individuals holding board certifications seeing higher compensation. Various settings, notably in private practice or specialized fields like sports nutrition, can yield additional income through cash-pay systems. For professionals in Mankato, maximizing pay could involve seeking out population health initiatives while also considering supplemental income through consulting or private practice, especially as the demand for intuitive eating and holistic health approaches continues to grow.
More salary data for Mankato, MN:
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 $72,357 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Mankato 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 Mankato 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