Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $36.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Chelmsford, MA runs $36.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,122 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,669 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 stands at $36.59, which is slightly below the national median of $38.16. This figure represents a vital consideration for those looking to engage in part-time work or per-diem arrangements in various settings, such as hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds and outpatient counseling rooms. With hourly pay ranging from $24.52 for entry-level positions to $49.01 for top earners, professionals in this field can find opportunities across diverse environments, including long-term care facilities, school district kitchens, and private practice settings. As such, the hourly rate derived from annual salary estimates provides insight into the economic landscape for dietitians and nutritionists in the Chelmsford area.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $24.52 | $196.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.72 | $245.79 |
| Median (P50) | $36.59 | $292.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.81 | $342.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.01 | $392.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $36.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.59/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $76,115 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,912. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,463.74 | $6,343 | $76,115 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $878.25 | $3,806 | $45,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $585.50 | $2,537 | $30,446 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Chelmsford) | $36.59 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $76,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.10% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,045.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.59/hr = $45,669/year (purchasing power: $42,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,115/year (purchasing power: $70,152).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Chelmsford grew 24.7% from $28.25/hr (2019) to $35.22/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.02/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Assessing the practical implications of part-time work reveals a significant difference in annual take-home pay compared to full-time positions. For instance, a dietitian and nutritionist working just three days a week for a total of 24 hours could earn approximately $45,905 annually, quite a contrast to full-time roles that likely yield a higher fixed salary. Per-diem professionals, particularly in more specialized roles like sports nutrition, can charge rates much higher than average, billing between $50 and $80 per hour or even up to $150 per hour for elite consulting. Also, hourly rates vary depending on employer type; those working at public health WIC clinics may not earn as much as peers in corporate wellness or private practice settings, where cash-pay models can command steep rates. Ultimately, the decision to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits or to pursue higher hourly pay without benefits is one many Chelmsford dietitians face. Negotiation for favorable rates can be critical, especially for those leveraging their RDN credentials in an increasingly diverse field that values both clinical expertise and innovative approaches to nutrition.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Chelmsford?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Chelmsford paid hourly or salary?
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Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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