Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Dietitian Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median dietitian salary in Des Moines, IA is $61,134 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$61,134
vs State Avg
+$1,993
vs National
$-5,316
Cost of Living
92%

Dietitian Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median dietitian salary of $61,134, which is $1,993 above the Iowa state average of $59,141. Compared to the national median of $66,450, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dietitians in Des Moines spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $91,080 at the 90th percentile — a $52,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,400, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dietitian Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level dietitian earns around $41,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $48,760
Median (50th) $61,134
75th Percentile $76,360
90th Percentile $91,080

Dietitian Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$63,128
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$58,476
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$57,147
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$55,818
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Dietitian in Des Moines

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open dietitian positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Dietitian make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $61,134 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $91,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,134, a dietitian in Des Moines earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Des Moines's median dietitian salary of $61,134 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $59,141. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $61,134 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Des Moines? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.