Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Dietitian Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median dietitian salary in Columbia, MO is $58,476 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$58,476
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,974
Cost of Living
88%

Dietitian Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median dietitian salary of $58,476, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $58,476. Compared to the national median of $66,450, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $58,476 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $66,450 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for dietitians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dietitians in Columbia spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $87,120 at the 90th percentile — a $50,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dietitian Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level dietitian earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $46,640
Median (50th) $58,476
75th Percentile $73,040
90th Percentile $87,120

Dietitian Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$61,134
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$59,805
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$56,483
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$54,489
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Dietitian in Columbia

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in Columbia

Browse open dietitian positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Columbia

How much does a Dietitian make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Columbia, Missouri is $58,476 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $87,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,476, a dietitian in Columbia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Columbia's median dietitian salary of $58,476 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $58,476. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $58,476 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Columbia? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Columbia 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.