Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 650+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$65,540
$31.51/hr
vs National Average
$73,491
-10.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $174K
650 employed in Arkansas
Dietitian and Nutritionist salary in Arkansas averages $65,540 annually, which is approximately 11% below the national average. Currently, around 650 dietitians and nutritionists work throughout the state. While Arkansas offers opportunities in this growing healthcare field, compensation tends to be modest compared to other regions, reflecting local economic factors and demand variations.
Several factors influence dietitian and nutritionist compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, professional credentials, and work setting. Those employed in hospitals or specialized medical facilities typically earn more than those in community health centers or private practice. Additional certifications, advanced degrees, and expertise in specialized nutrition areas can also lead to higher salaries within the state's market.
Salary Distribution — Dietitian and Nutritionist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,700 |
| 25th percentile | $56,450 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,540 |
| 75th percentile | $83,050 |
| 90th percentile | $174,060 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dietitian and Nutritionist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dietitian and Nutritionists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dietitian and Nutritionists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $89,900 | 120 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $86,880 | 70 |
| Finance and Insurance | $80,480 | 150 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,070 | 9K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $77,380 | 800 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dietitian and Nutritionist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $53,990 |
| 2023 | $58,240 |
| 2024 | $60,740 |
| 2025 | $65,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $69,472 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $53,990 | $66,075 |
| 2023 | $58,240 | $68,348 |
| 2024 | $60,740 | $70,657 |
| 2025 | $65,540 | $73,491 |
| 2026 (projected) | $69,472 | $77,900 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,450 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $83,050 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $174,060 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Other States
Related Dietitian and Nutritionist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Dietitian and Nutritionist ($65,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dietitian and Nutritionist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +289.0% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +255.7% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +242.2% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +229.3% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +173.0% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +144.8% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +107.6% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +91.7% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +90.3% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +89.9% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +80.7% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +64.3% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Arkansas is $65,540 per year, or $32 per hour. This is approximately 10.8% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for nutritionists in Arkansas?
- Dietitians and nutritionists in Arkansas earn between $44,700 and $174,060 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects different career stages and work settings across the state.
How many dietitian jobs are available in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 650 dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in Arkansas, representing the total workforce in this field across the state.
Is Arkansas salary competitive for dietitians compared to the national average?
- No, Arkansas offers a median salary that is 10.8% lower than the national average for dietitians and nutritionists. However, the median salary of $65,540 still provides a stable income for professionals in this field.