Boston vs Cambridge: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Boston, MA and Cambridge, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,876▲ | $78,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.89▲ | $37.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,036▲ | $47,893 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,328▲ | $62,561 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,611▲ | $92,579 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,765▲ | $107,624 |
| Total Employed | 2,000▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cambridge.
The salary gap between Boston and Cambridge is $1,932 (2.45%). Boston's median is +1.88% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $44,729,Cambridge spans $59,731. Cambridge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($74,701 effective) pays 2.67% more than Cambridge ($72,759 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,876/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,765)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,701)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Cambridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Boston grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Cambridge over the same period.
Boston, MA
$67,980 (2019) → $77,840 (2025)
Cambridge, MA
$85,574 (2024) → $75,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Cambridge, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Boston or Cambridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Cambridge?
Should I relocate from Boston to Cambridge as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Boston vs Cambridge?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov