Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Dietitian Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median dietitian salary in Columbia, SC is $59,805 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$59,805
vs State Avg
+$664
vs National
$-6,645
Cost of Living
90%

Dietitian Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median dietitian salary of $59,805, which is $664 above the South Carolina state average of $59,141. Compared to the national median of $66,450, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $89,100 at the 90th percentile — a $51,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,500, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 131,674, 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 $40,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $47,700
Median (50th) $59,805
75th Percentile $74,700
90th Percentile $89,100

Dietitian Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$69,773
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$66,450
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$63,128
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$61,134
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Dietitian in Columbia

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina 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, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Columbia

How much does a Dietitian make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $59,805 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $89,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,805, a dietitian in Columbia earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Columbia's median dietitian salary of $59,805 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $59,141. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $59,805 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.