Healthcare Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Dietitian Salary in Tennessee

The median dietitian salary in Tennessee is $60,470 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $66,450.

Median Salary
$60,470
vs National
$-5,980
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Dietitian Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for dietitian compensation. Dietitian salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $60,470 per year, dietitians in Tennessee earn $5,980 less than the national median of $66,450.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $60,470 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $67,944 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: dietitians at the 10th percentile earn $38,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,090 — a $51,870 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $67,779.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level dietitian earns around $40,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,450 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,950
$-4,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,450
$-8,550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $48,230
Median (50th) $60,470
75th Percentile $75,530
90th Percentile $90,090

Dietitian Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for dietitians in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dietitian in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Dietitian make in Tennessee? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Tennessee is $60,470 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $90,090 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,470, a dietitian in Tennessee earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for dietitians? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for dietitian pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level dietitians earn $40,950, while senior professionals earn $86,450.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for dietitian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dietitians is Hawaii at $118,281. Tennessee's median of $60,470 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($60,470) and New Mexico ($60,470).
What is the entry-level dietitian salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level dietitian in Tennessee earns approximately $40,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $61,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $86,450.
What city in Tennessee pays dietitians the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for dietitians, with a median salary of $67,779. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.