Boston vs Chelmsford: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Boston, MA and Chelmsford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelmsford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,876▲ | $76,122 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.89▲ | $36.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,036▲ | $51,012 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,328▲ | $63,908 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,611▲ | $89,041 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,765▲ | $101,950 |
| Total Employed | 2,000▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelmsford.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelmsford is $4,754 (6.25%). 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,Chelmsford spans $50,938. Chelmsford 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 6.47% more than Chelmsford ($70,159 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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$67,980 (2019) → $77,840 (2025)
Chelmsford, MA
$82,509 (2024) → $73,265 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelmsford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Boston or Chelmsford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelmsford?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelmsford as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Boston vs Chelmsford?
Related Comparisons
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