Gaithersburg vs Hagerstown: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,395▲ | $84,076 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.02▲ | $40.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,422 | $58,859▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,954▲ | $63,182 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,621▲ | $98,705 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,074▲ | $108,856 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Hagerstown is $3,319 (3.95%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $59,652,Hagerstown spans $49,997. Gaithersburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hagerstown ($89,280 effective) pays 11.66% more than Gaithersburg ($79,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,395/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,074)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,280)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Gaithersburg grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$81,473 (2024) → $84,115 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$60,000 (2019) → $80,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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