Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Plymouth, MA: $51,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,068 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,067 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,627) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of dietetics in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the starting dietitian and nutritionist salary is projected to be around $51,068 in 2026. While this entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city median salary of $80,627, early-career professionals can expect a growth trajectory as they gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries may rise towards the 25th percentile level of $65,413 as new dietitians build their skills and establish themselves in the marketplace. Given the current demand for healthcare professionals and a projected annual growth rate of 3.90%, Plymouth represents a viable market for recent graduates eager to make their mark in the nutrition field.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Plymouth, MA typically start between $51,068 and $65,413 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,165 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,627 — 1.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Massachusetts of $120,000 represents just 234.98% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($51,068/year) in Plymouth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEND-accredited dietetics program data and university tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state, public out-of-state, private) and degree level (bachelor's vs. master's).
DN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $51,068 to $65,413, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nutrition field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Compensation Range
The dietitian and nutritionist wage spread in Plymouth is $58,165 ( 113.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,068, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,233.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,938
2025 BLS Actual
$49,151
2026 Current Est.
$51,068
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,938 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,195 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,966 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,985 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,151 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,060 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,938 in 2019 to $49,151 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,060. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nutrition Career in Plymouth
In Plymouth, various employers are eager to hire new dietitian and nutritionist graduates, particularly within hospital clinical nutrition departments, which commonly offer opportunities for rotations in diverse settings such as medical-surgical and outpatient care. Facilities associated with long-term care typically engage partners like Sodexo or Aramark for staffing. Additionally, those opting for roles in public health may find programs like WIC, which often offer incentives such as loan repayment in shortage areas. For new RDNs, holding a Bachelor’s degree along with completion of an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship is crucial. As of 2024, newcomers will need a Master's degree to obtain the RDN credential, reflecting a significant shift in the profession. Those who pursue specialty certifications such as CSR, CSO, or CSSD may enhance their salary potential in the Massachusetts job market. Realistically, entry-level salaries can increase steadily with experience and credentialing, as cash-pay private practices and models centered around intuitive eating become more prevalent outside of traditional insurance pathways.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nutrition graduates. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
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