Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Arlington, MA: $37.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Arlington, MA runs $37.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,887 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,329 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Massachusetts, the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to be $37.92 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $38.16. This rate positions local professionals well within the broader context of the industry, especially for part-time workers who may frequently operate on a three-day workweek. For example, a dietitian working 24 hours weekly would earn around $1,810 monthly, making this profession accessible in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. The hourly wage reflects a range that spans from $24.68 at the 10th percentile to $48.40 at the 90th percentile, indicating opportunities for both entry-level positions and more experienced dietitians within Arlington’s healthcare landscape.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.68 | $197.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.18 | $249.44 |
| Median (P50) | $37.92 | $303.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.72 | $349.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.40 | $387.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $37.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.92/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,881 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,508. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,516.94 | $6,573 | $78,881 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.16 | $3,944 | $47,329 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.78 | $2,629 | $31,552 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Arlington) | $37.92 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Health Education Specialist (National Avg) | $31.83 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.60 |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Arlington, MA earn a median of $78,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.62% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,088.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.92/hr = $47,329/year (purchasing power: $43,621).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,881/year (purchasing power: $72,701).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington grew 24.7% from $29.27/hr (2019) to $36.50/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.40/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dietitians and nutritionists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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.
Working as an Hourly Dietitian and Nutritionist in Arlington
When considering part-time and per-diem opportunities, the earning potential varies significantly. Part-time dietitians can earn substantially less than full-timers, but per-diem roles often provide a lucrative option; some per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Arlington can reach $50-$80 per hour, with specialists in sports nutrition consulting potentially charging $80-$150 per hour. Furthermore, private practice dietitians may set direct-pay fees ranging from $150 to $300 for a one-hour counseling session, harnessing the growing demand for cash-pay models. While hourly rates can fluctuate across different employer types—such as hospitals versus corporate wellness programs—individuals often must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and more stable positions that include health insurance. For those navigating these choices in Arlington, negotiation tactics focused on work-life balance and compensation packages can significantly impact job satisfaction.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Arlington?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Arlington?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Arlington?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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