Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $67,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $67,223/year (≈ $32.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $73,497 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the average dietitian and nutritionist salary in Chattanooga, TN is projected to be $67,223. This amount positions local professionals about 15.31% below the national median of $79,380, highlighting some regional discrepancies. The salary range for this position spans from $35,035 at the lower end (P10) to $83,390 for those at the higher end (P90), indicating substantial variability based on factors such as experience, specialty, and employment setting. These insights are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the current trends in both local and national job markets. As healthcare demands evolve, Chattanooga continues to represent a viable option for those in the dietetics field, especially with a growth rate of 3.90% expected in jobs for dietitians and nutritionists over the next five years.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,035 | $16.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,963 | $18.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,223 | $32.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,621 | $35.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,390 | $40.10 |
Median Salary Position
15.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,355 (2026 est.). At $67,223, the local median is 15.31% below the national median of $79,380.
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How Chattanooga Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $67,223/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $70,244 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -15.31% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $67,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.31% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $70,244.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $67,223 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,497 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,170
2025 BLS Actual
$64,700
2026 Current Est.
$67,223
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,845 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 31.6% from $49,170 (2019) to $64,700 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,845 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,675 (42.05%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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) | $35,035 – $38,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,963 – $67,223 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,223 – $74,621 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,621 – $83,390 |
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 Chattanooga
Chattanooga employs around 160 dietitians and nutritionists, contributing to a dynamic local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 91.464, salaries potentially stretch further than in many other regions, giving professionals in the area reasonable purchasing power despite slightly lower pay levels. Among local employers, hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics, particularly those dealing with diabetes and cardiology, often offer the most competitive salaries. The variation in dietitian and nutritionist pay in Chattanooga can be attributed to factors such as specialty certification, with those holding credentials in renal CSR or oncology CSO typically earning more. Emphasizing cash-pay private practices and exploring opportunities in corporate wellness can also lead to a substantial income boost. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications and diversifying their practice settings to leverage increased demand in specific areas of expertise.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
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 $64,700 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Chattanooga 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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