Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $76,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $76,122/year (≈ $36.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $70,159 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, is $76,122 for the year 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $79,380. The local salary range is notable, spanning from $51,012 at the 10th percentile to $101,950 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost considerations, illustrate the financial landscape that new graduates and seasoned professionals will face. As the profession transitions to a master's-required pathway by 2024, competition may influence entry-level salaries, but experienced individuals can still expect higher compensation through specialization and diverse practice settings in Chelmsford.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,012 | $24.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,908 | $30.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,122 | $36.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,041 | $42.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,950 | $49.01 |
Median Salary Position
4.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,938 (2026 est.). At $76,122, the local median is 4.1% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $76,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,045 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -4.10% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $76,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.10% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,045.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,122 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,159 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,756
2025 BLS Actual
$73,265
2026 Current Est.
$76,122
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,756 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,501 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,723 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,509 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,091 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $58,756 (2019) to $73,265 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,335 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $51,012 – $63,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,908 – $76,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,122 – $89,041 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,041 – $101,950 |
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 Chelmsford
In the Chelmsford job market, there are currently eight employed dietitians and nutritionists, indicating a stable but small workforce. The cost of living index in Chelmsford stands at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries may be competitive, access to affordable housing and everyday expenses can impact overall purchasing power. Those seeking higher dietitian and nutritionist pay in Chelmsford MA are likely to find more lucrative opportunities within hospital clinical nutrition departments or outpatient clinics specializing in areas such as diabetes and cardiology. Factors contributing to the variability in pay include the demand for specialized knowledge, such as renal nutrition or sports nutrition, as well as the appealing growth of cash-pay private practices that cater to clients outside the medical insurance realm. For professionals aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing board specialties or expanding services into corporate wellness and sports consulting can be effective strategies in this market.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
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 $73,265 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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