Healthcare Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Dietitian Salary in Iowa

The median dietitian salary in Iowa is $59,141 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $66,450.

Median Salary
$59,141
vs National
$-7,309
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Dietitian Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for dietitian compensation. Dietitian salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,141 per year, dietitians in Iowa earn $7,309 less than the national median of $66,450.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $59,141 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $66,451 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: dietitians at the 10th percentile earn $37,380, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,110 — a $50,730 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $63,128.

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 Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level dietitian earns around $40,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,550 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,050
$-4,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,520
$-7,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,550
$-10,450 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $59,141? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $37,380
25th Percentile $47,170
Median (50th) $59,141
75th Percentile $73,870
90th Percentile $88,110

Dietitian Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for dietitians in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dietitian in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook in Iowa

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 77,400 other Dietitians.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Dietitian Roles in Iowa?

Get matched with recruiters hiring dietitians in Iowa at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Iowa

How much does a Dietitian make in Iowa? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Iowa is $59,141 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $37,380 (10th percentile) to $88,110 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,141, a dietitian in Iowa earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for dietitians? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for dietitian pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level dietitians earn $40,050, while senior professionals earn $84,550.
How does Iowa compare to other states for dietitian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dietitians is Hawaii at $118,281. Iowa's median of $59,141 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($59,805) and Wyoming ($59,805).
What is the entry-level dietitian salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level dietitian in Iowa earns approximately $40,050 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,550.
What city in Iowa pays dietitians the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for dietitians, with a median salary of $63,128. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.