Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Salem, MA: $77,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Salem, MA earns a median $77,159/year (≈ $37.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Salem's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,114 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist salary in Salem, Massachusetts is projected to reach a median of $77,159, positioning it slightly below the national median of $79,380. The anticipated salary range for professionals in this field is substantial, with entry-level positions offering around $53,652 and the upper echelon commanding up to $105,147. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost of living, reflect both the competitive nature of the job market and the importance of specialized credentials, like the Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). The presence of healthcare facilities and educational institutions in Salem contributes to a stable demand for dietitians and nutritionists, enhancing job opportunities in the region.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,652 | $25.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,049 | $31.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,159 | $37.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,971 | $41.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,147 | $50.55 |
Median Salary Position
2.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, MA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,495 (2026 est.). At $77,159, the local median is 2.8% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Salem median: $77,159/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,041 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -2.80% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Salem, MA earn a median of $77,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.80% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,041.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,159 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,114 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,556
2025 BLS Actual
$74,263
2026 Current Est.
$77,159
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,556 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,926 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,591 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,168 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $59,556 (2019) to $74,263 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,168 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,612 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $53,652 – $66,049 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,049 – $77,159 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,159 – $86,971 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,971 – $105,147 |
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 Salem
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only eight dietitians and nutritionists are currently employed in Salem, suggesting a tight-knit community with potential opportunities for growth. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, salaries in this area must be weighed against living expenses, which can affect overall purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities tend to offer higher salaries compared to outpatient clinics or public health settings. The variation in pay often stems from factors like specialty certifications, experience in private practice, and consulting roles with sports teams. To maximize compensation in this market, professionals should consider pursuing specialty board certifications and exploring opportunities within corporate wellness programs, while remaining adaptable to the evolving landscape of nutrition services in Salem, MA.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $74,263 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Salem 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 Salem 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