Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Arlington, MA: $78,887 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Arlington, MA earns a median $78,887/year (≈ $37.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,707 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington, MA, is projected at $78,887, positioning it slightly below the national median of $79,380. The salary range for this profession in the local market spans from $51,325 at the 10th percentile to $100,657 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust compensation structure influenced by various factors including specialization and experience. This data reflects estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local price variations, highlighting how the recent requirement for a master's degree, effective in 2024, could impact entry-level salaries amidst rising educational qualifications. For dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington, the evolving standards may create both challenges and opportunities in a competitive job market, prompting professionals to differentiate themselves through advanced credentials and specialized skills.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,325 | $24.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,845 | $31.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,887 | $37.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,932 | $43.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,657 | $48.40 |
Median Salary Position
0.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, MA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,332 (2026 est.). At $78,887, the local median is 0.62% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be above the median
How Arlington Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Arlington median: $78,887/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,088 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -0.62% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Arlington, MA earn a median of $78,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.62% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,088.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,887 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,707 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,890
2025 BLS Actual
$75,926
2026 Current Est.
$78,887
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,699 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,268 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,248 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,887 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,964 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $60,890 (2019) to $75,926 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,964 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,074 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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) | $51,325 – $64,845 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,845 – $78,887 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,887 – $90,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,932 – $100,657 |
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 Arlington
Focusing on the job market, there are currently nine dietitians and nutritionists employed in Arlington. Positioned above the national average, the cost-of-living index for the area stands at 108.5, suggesting that the purchasing power may be impacted for those entering the field. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay, while settings such as public health or school district food service programs might present lower salary potential. The income range reflects the demand for specialized dietetic services—in fields like sports nutrition or diabetes care—compared to general clinical practice. To maximize pay potential in this market, dietitians and nutritionists should consider pursuing board certifications in their respective specialties and explore cash-pay private practice opportunities, which can significantly augment earnings beyond traditional salary structures.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Arlington, MA in 2026?
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Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Arlington?
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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 $75,926 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Arlington 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 Arlington 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