Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Bear, DE: $66,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Bear, DE earns a median $66,611/year (≈ $32.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Bear's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $65,498 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, dietitians and nutritionists can expect to earn a projected median annual salary of $66,611 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $79,380, which highlights the cost-of-living and market dynamics at play in the region. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $45,165 at the lower end to $82,696 at the high end, based on BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. Professionals making a choice between private practice payment structures and traditional hospital employment may find opportunities within the community differing greatly in compensation, reflecting a need for strategic career decisions in this competitive field.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,165 | $21.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,945 | $26.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,611 | $32.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,575 | $35.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,696 | $39.76 |
Median Salary Position
16.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bear
In Bear, DE, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,531 (2026 est.). At $66,611, the local median is 16.09% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Bear: You'd be above the median
How Bear Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Bear median: $66,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bear Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $69,532 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -16.09% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Bear, DE earn a median of $66,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.09% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $69,532.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bear has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bear, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,611 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,498 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,415
2025 BLS Actual
$64,111
2026 Current Est.
$66,611
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,415 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,734 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,761 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,273 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,209 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bear metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $51,415 (2019) to $64,111 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,209 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,794 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bear 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,165 – $55,945 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,945 – $66,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,611 – $74,575 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,575 – $82,696 |
DN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dietitian and nutritionist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Job Market in Bear
Currently, there are six dietitians and nutritionists employed in Bear, DE, which suggests a relatively modest local job market for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 101.7, working in Bear means that take-home purchasing power may not stretch as far compared to national averages. Those aiming for higher salary points can find better compensation in settings like hospital clinical nutrition departments or specialty outpatient clinics focusing on diabetes or oncology. The income variations often stem from the specialty of the dietitian; those with expertise in renal care, sports nutrition, or certified diabetes education tend to earn more than their generalist counterparts. A strategic way to maximize earnings may include pursuing board certifications, establishing a cash-pay private practice, or consulting within a corporate wellness program. Focusing on these niches can lead to more lucrative positions in Bear's evolving dietary landscape.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,111 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Bear metropolitan area. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bear 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