Healthcare Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Dietitian Salary in Kentucky

The median dietitian salary in Kentucky is $57,812 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $66,450.

Median Salary
$57,812
vs National
$-8,638
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Dietitian Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for dietitian compensation. Dietitian salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,812 per year, dietitians in Kentucky earn $8,638 less than the national median of $66,450.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $57,812 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $66,451 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: dietitians at the 10th percentile earn $36,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $86,130 — a $49,590 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $61,799.

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 Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level dietitian earns around $39,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,150
$-5,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,160
$-8,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $36,540
25th Percentile $46,110
Median (50th) $57,812
75th Percentile $72,210
90th Percentile $86,130

Dietitian Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for dietitians in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dietitian in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Dietitian make in Kentucky? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Kentucky is $57,812 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $36,540 (10th percentile) to $86,130 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,812, a dietitian in Kentucky earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for dietitians? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for dietitian pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level dietitians earn $39,150, while senior professionals earn $82,650.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for dietitian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dietitians is Hawaii at $118,281. Kentucky's median of $57,812 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($57,812) and Kansas ($57,812).
What is the entry-level dietitian salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level dietitian in Kentucky earns approximately $39,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,650.
What city in Kentucky pays dietitians the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for dietitians, with a median salary of $61,799. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.