Dietitian Pay

Dartmouth vs Springfield: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Dartmouth, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dartmouth, MA
$78,005
$37.50/hr
Springfield, MA
$75,421
$36.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDartmouth, MASpringfield, MA
Median Salary$78,005$75,421
Hourly Rate$37.50$36.26
Entry Level (P10)$49,288$59,680
25th Percentile$63,040$68,055
75th Percentile$91,914$92,242
Top Earner (P90)$105,185$106,362
Total Employed5170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dartmouth ($78,005) and Springfield ($75,421) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.DartmouthSpringfieldMedian Salary$78,005$75,421Entry Level (P10)$49,288$59,680Top Earner (P90)$105,185$106,362US Median $79,380

Verdict

Dartmouth and Springfield are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Dartmouth and Springfield is $2,584 (3.43%). Dartmouth's median is -1.73% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dartmouth spans $55,897,Springfield spans $46,682. Dartmouth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dartmouth
P10 (Entry)$49,288
P25$63,040
Median$78,005
P75$91,914
P90 (Top)$105,185
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$59,680
P25$68,055
Median$75,421
P75$92,242
P90 (Top)$106,362

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($78,514 effective) pays 9.21% more than Dartmouth ($71,894 effective).

Dartmouth
Nominal: $78,005
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $71,894
Springfield
Nominal: $75,421
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $78,514

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dartmouth if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,005/year)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($106,362)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,514)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Dartmouth grew -11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Dartmouth, MA

+-11.2%

$84,550 (2024) → $75,077 (2025)

Springfield, MA

+8.1%

$67,120 (2019) → $72,590 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Dartmouth or Springfield?

Dartmouth has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $78,005/year, compared to Springfield at $75,421/year — a difference of $2,584 (3.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dartmouth and Springfield?

Dartmouth dietitian and nutritionists earn $37.50/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $36.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dartmouth to Springfield as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dartmouth and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dartmouth = $71,894, Springfield = $78,514), job availability (5 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Dartmouth vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $49,288 in Dartmouth and $59,680 in Springfield. The Springfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

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