Healthcare Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Dietitian Salary in Arkansas

The median dietitian salary in Arkansas is $54,489 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $66,450.

Median Salary
$54,489
vs National
$-11,961
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Dietitian Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for dietitian compensation. Dietitian salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,489 per year, dietitians in Arkansas earn $11,961 less than the national median of $66,450.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $54,489 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $64,868 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: dietitians at the 10th percentile earn $34,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,180 — a $46,740 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $57,147.

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dietitians across the country.

Dietitian Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level dietitian earns around $36,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,900
$-8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,760
$-12,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-17,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $43,460
Median (50th) $54,489
75th Percentile $68,060
90th Percentile $81,180

Dietitian Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for dietitians in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dietitian in Arkansas

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Dietitian make in Arkansas? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Arkansas is $54,489 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $81,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,489, a dietitian in Arkansas earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for dietitians? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for dietitian pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level dietitians earn $36,900, while senior professionals earn $77,900.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for dietitian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dietitians is Hawaii at $118,281. Arkansas's median of $54,489 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($57,812) and Oklahoma ($55,818).
What is the entry-level dietitian salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level dietitian in Arkansas earns approximately $36,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,900.
What city in Arkansas pays dietitians the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for dietitians, with a median salary of $57,147. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.