Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 1K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$69,520
$33.42/hr
vs National Average
$73,491
-5.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $90K
1K employed in Kentucky
Dietitians and nutritionists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $69,520 per year, which is approximately 5% below the national average. Currently, around 1,040 workers are employed in this field throughout the state. While this represents a solid career path in healthcare and wellness, compensation tends to be somewhat lower than other regions.
Salary variations for dietitian and nutritionist positions in Kentucky are influenced by factors including education level, years of experience, specialization area, and employer type. Professionals working in hospitals or clinical settings may earn differently than those in private practice or food service management. Geographic location within the state and additional certifications can also impact earning potential within this growing field.
Salary Distribution — Dietitian and Nutritionist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,820 |
| 25th percentile | $50,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $69,520 |
| 75th percentile | $78,880 |
| 90th percentile | $89,710 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,910 |
| 2023 | $63,210 |
| 2024 | $66,250 |
| 2025 | $69,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,951 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,910 | $66,075 |
| 2023 | $63,210 | $68,348 |
| 2024 | $66,250 | $70,657 |
| 2025 | $69,520 | $73,491 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,951 | $77,118 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,010 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $69,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,710 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Other States
Related Dietitian and Nutritionist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Dietitian and Nutritionist ($69,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dietitian and Nutritionist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +702.9% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +400.5% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +356.1% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +302.7% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +257.8% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +247.4% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +242.0% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +220.1% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +189.5% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +152.7% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +143.7% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +133.3% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Kentucky is $69,520 per year, or $33 per hour. This is about 5.4% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for nutritionists in Kentucky?
- Dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Kentucky range from $31,820 at the lower end to $89,710 at the higher end of the pay scale.
Is Kentucky salary for dietitians below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median salary of $69,520 for dietitians and nutritionists is 5.4% below the national average, so you may earn slightly less in this state compared to other regions.
How many dietitian jobs are available in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,040 dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in Kentucky, indicating moderate job availability in the state.