Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Wilmington, DE: $79,108 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Wilmington, DE earns a median $79,108/year (≈ $38.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Wilmington's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $77,786 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Wilmington, Delaware, is $79,108, slightly below the national median of $79,380. This local figure is derived from 2025 BLS estimates adjusted for regional cost factors, showcasing a salary range that spans from $50,116 at the lower tenth percentile to $104,099 at the upper ninetieth percentile. With Wilmington’s rising demand for qualified nutrition professionals, particularly those holding specialty credentials like CSR or CSSD, the local market reflects a promising compensation landscape for those entering or advancing in the field. This growing emphasis on specialized services in settings such as hospitals and private practices is indicative of Wilmington’s developing health and wellness industry.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,116 | $24.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,188 | $30.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,108 | $38.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,121 | $43.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,099 | $50.05 |
Median Salary Position
0.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
In Wilmington, DE, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,983 (2026 est.). At $79,108, the local median is 0.34% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilmington: You'd be above the median
How Wilmington Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Wilmington median: $79,108/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $77,786 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | -0.34% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $79,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.70% above the Delaware state average of $77,786.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilmington has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilmington, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,108 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,786 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,061
2025 BLS Actual
$76,139
2026 Current Est.
$79,108
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,061 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,874 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,223 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,442 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,139 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,108 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilmington metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $61,061 (2019) to $76,139 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,133 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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) | $50,116 – $64,188 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,188 – $79,108 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,108 – $91,121 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,121 – $104,099 |
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 Wilmington
Analyzing the job market in Wilmington, there are currently 10 dietitians and nutritionists employed in the area, signaling a niche yet established workforce. The cost of living index, hovering at 101.7, suggests a slightly higher than average expense for residents, impacting their purchasing power. Notably, hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities tend to offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for those with advanced certifications. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include specialization in areas like renal or oncology nutrition, alongside private practice income sources, which show significant variance based on clientele and payment structure. To maximize salary potential in this Wilmington market, professionals should consider investments in continued education leading to specialist credentials, pursuing opportunities in high-demand settings, and exploring cash-pay private practices which have gained traction in recent years.
More salary data for Wilmington, 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 $76,139 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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