Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Needham, MA: $78,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Needham, MA earns a median $78,682/year (≈ $37.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Needham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,518 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Needham, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $78,682 in 2026, mirroring the competitive nature of the field. With a salary range that spans from $50,766 at the lower end (P10) to $102,534 at the higher end (P90), these figures reflect local estimates based on BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities. The choice between pursuing a cash-pay private practice or accepting a W-2 position in a hospital setting can significantly influence earning potential. This structural decision often leads to variations in compensation, making it essential for professionals in the area to evaluate their work environments carefully, especially as the demand for specialized services continues to evolve.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,766 | $24.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,424 | $30.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,682 | $37.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,480 | $43.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,534 | $49.29 |
Median Salary Position
0.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Needham
In Needham, MA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,768 (2026 est.). At $78,682, the local median is 0.88% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Needham: You'd be above the median
How Needham Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Needham median: $78,682/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Needham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,043 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -0.88% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Needham, MA earn a median of $78,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.88% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,043.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Needham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Needham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,682 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,518 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,732
2025 BLS Actual
$75,729
2026 Current Est.
$78,682
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,732 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,536 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,109 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,284 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,751 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Needham metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $60,732 (2019) to $75,729 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,751 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,019 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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) | $50,766 – $64,424 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,424 – $78,682 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,682 – $90,480 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,480 – $102,534 |
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 Needham
The job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Needham includes only six professionals currently employed in this field, suggesting a niche but focused sector. The cost of living index sits at 108.5, indicating that residents face higher-than-average living expenses, which directly impacts the take-home purchasing power of these health professionals. Employers like hospital clinical nutrition departments, long-term care facilities, and corporate wellness programs tend to offer the most lucrative compensation packages. Factors such as specialty expertise—such as renal or oncology nutrition—and the growing trend of cash-pay private practices may explain the income disparity within the profession. To maximize pay in Needham's market, professionals should consider specializing in high-demand areas, exploring cash-pay models, and engaging in sports team consulting or public health initiatives, which can be financially rewarding avenues in the evolving dietetics landscape.
More salary data for Needham, 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 $75,729 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Needham 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 Needham 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