Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Aiken, SC: $70,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Aiken, SC earns a median $70,142/year (≈ $33.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Aiken's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $76,658 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Aiken, South Carolina, will earn a median annual salary of $70,142. This figure is noticeably lower than the national median of $79,380, reflecting a local pay landscape that ranges from $46,412 at the lower end to $92,895 at the higher end. Local salary estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. With the requirement of a master's degree as of 2024 transforming entry-level positions, potential dietitians may find themselves facing a more competitive job market in Aiken. This transition highlights the need for professionals to stay informed about evolving qualifications and pay scales, ensuring they are equipped to navigate their future careers effectively.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,412 | $22.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,231 | $27.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,142 | $33.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,409 | $39.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,895 | $44.66 |
Median Salary Position
11.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aiken
In Aiken, SC, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,483 (2026 est.). At $70,142, the local median is 11.64% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aiken: You'd be above the median
How Aiken Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Aiken median: $70,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aiken Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $70,708 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -11.64% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Aiken, SC earn a median of $70,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.64% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $70,708.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aiken has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aiken, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $70,142 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,658 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,140
2025 BLS Actual
$67,509
2026 Current Est.
$70,142
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,476 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,717 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,571 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,439 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,877 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aiken metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $54,140 (2019) to $67,509 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,877 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,737 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aiken 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) | $46,412 – $58,231 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,231 – $70,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,142 – $81,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,409 – $92,895 |
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 Aiken
In Aiken, SC, the job market for dietitians and nutritionists is relatively small, with only four individuals currently employed in the field. The area's cost of living index, which sits at 91.5, indicates a more affordable lifestyle than the national average, potentially providing greater purchasing power for local salaries. Among employers, hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities typically offer the highest pay. Factors influencing the disparity in pay include specialized areas like renal or oncology nutrition and the growing trend of cash-pay private practices that can exceed traditional salary frameworks. To maximize their potential earnings, aspiring dietitians should consider gaining specialty credentials or working in cash-pay settings, which are increasingly popular in Aiken's evolving healthcare landscape. Understanding the local market dynamics can help professionals position themselves advantageously in this competitive field.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
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 $67,509 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Aiken 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 Aiken 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