Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Silver Spring, MD: $84,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Silver Spring, MD earns a median $84,543/year (≈ $40.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Silver Spring's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $77,349 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist salary in Silver Spring, MD is projected to reach a significant $84,543, reflecting a robust market for nutrition professionals in the region. This figure not only surpasses the national median of $79,380 by 6.50%, but also indicates a healthy range for salaries, from $55,886 at the 10th percentile to $114,376 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, which stands at 109.3—indicating a cost structure above the national average. Silver Spring’s focus on advanced practice and specialty board certifications may further enhance salary opportunities, as employers increasingly seek dietitians with specialized training in areas such as renal nutrition or diabetes education.
About the Silver Spring Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,886 | $26.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,343 | $33.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,543 | $40.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,847 | $48.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,376 | $54.98 |
Median Salary Position
6.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Silver Spring
In Silver Spring, MD, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,490 (2026 est.). At $84,543, the local median is 6.5% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Silver Spring: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Silver Spring Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Silver Spring median: $84,543/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Silver Spring Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $86,800 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | +6.50% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Silver Spring, MD earn a median of $84,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.50% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 2.60% below the Maryland state average of $86,800.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Silver Spring has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Silver Spring, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,543 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,349 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,256
2025 BLS Actual
$81,370
2026 Current Est.
$84,543
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Silver Spring (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,256 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,194 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,773 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,814 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,841 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Silver Spring metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $65,256 (2019) to $81,370 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,841 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,585 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Silver Spring 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) | $55,886 – $70,343 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,343 – $84,543 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,543 – $100,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,847 – $114,376 |
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 Silver Spring
Analyzing the job market context for dietitians and nutritionists in Silver Spring reveals a competitive landscape with 12 professionals currently employed in the field. The above-average cost of living impacts take-home purchasing power, emphasizing the need for professionals to seek roles in higher-paying sectors. Among the various employers, hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics for diabetes and cardiology typically offer better compensation than public health settings or school food programs. The variance in pay is influenced by factors such as specialty credentials, practice ownership in cash-pay private practices, and consulting for sports teams—which tend to provide premium income. For those looking to maximize pay in this market, pursuing advanced specialties, engaging in corporate wellness programs, or building a successful private practice can be effective strategies for increasing overall earnings in the dynamic Silver Spring area.
More salary data for Silver Spring, MD:
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 $81,370 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring 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