Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Wheaton, MD: $86,749 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Wheaton, MD earns a median $86,749/year (≈ $41.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $79,368 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist salary in Wheaton, MD, is projected to reach a median of $86,749 per year, reflecting a competitive market that surpasses the national median of $79,380 by 9.28%. Salary estimates range from a lower percentile of $53,969 to an upper echelon of $116,306, illustrating the diverse opportunities available in this profession. Data derived from state-level BLS projections and regional cost adjustments highlight Wheaton's potential for demanding and rewarding careers in dietetics. The area's robust local economy supports various specializations, contributing to a thriving job market that can cater to both general clinical and niche expertise.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,969 | $25.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,647 | $33.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,749 | $41.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,946 | $48.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,306 | $55.92 |
Median Salary Position
9.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, MD, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,337 (2026 est.). At $86,749, the local median is 9.28% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be above the median
How Wheaton Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $86,749/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $79,380 | +9.28% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Wheaton, MD earn a median of $86,749 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.28% higher than the national median of $79,380.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheaton, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,749 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,368 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,958
2025 BLS Actual
$83,493
2026 Current Est.
$86,749
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,958 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,871 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,749 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,132 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $66,958 (2019) to $83,493 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,132 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,174 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $53,969 – $69,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,647 – $86,749 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,749 – $100,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,946 – $116,306 |
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 Wheaton
Analysis of the local job market reveals that Wheaton employs a modest 11 dietitians and nutritionists, indicating ample opportunity for growth. The cost-of-living index stands at 109.3, which is above the national average, potentially influencing take-home purchasing power. Among employers, those associated with hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities tend to offer higher compensation packages. The variation in salary can be attributed to factors including board specialties such as renal CSR or oncology CSO, cash-pay private practice options, and consulting opportunities with sports teams. Aspiring RDNs should consider specializing in high-demand niches and explore cash-pay practice avenues to maximize their earning potential in this vibrant Maryland market.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 $83,493 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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