Hagerstown vs Wheaton: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,076 | $86,749▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.42 | $41.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,859▲ | $53,969 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,182 | $69,647▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,705 | $100,946▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,856 | $116,306▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Wheaton is $2,673 (3.18%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $49,997,Wheaton spans $62,337. Wheaton 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, Hagerstown ($89,280 effective) pays 12.49% more than Wheaton ($79,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,280)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,749/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,306)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Hagerstown grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$60,000 (2019) → $80,920 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$80,871 (2024) → $83,493 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Hagerstown or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Wheaton as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Hagerstown vs Wheaton?
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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