Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Waltham, MA: $77,926 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Waltham, MA earns a median $77,926/year (≈ $37.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,821 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, dietitians and nutritionists can anticipate a median annual salary of $77,926 in 2026, which aligns closely with the national median of $79,380. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $51,342 at the 10th percentile to as high as $105,212 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The competitive salary reflects the demand for qualified nutrition experts in this growing field, especially as the healthcare industry's focus on nutrition and wellness continues to strengthen.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,342 | $24.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,710 | $31.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,926 | $37.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,826 | $44.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,212 | $50.58 |
Median Salary Position
1.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,870 (2026 est.). At $77,926, the local median is 1.83% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waltham Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Waltham median: $77,926/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,088 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -1.83% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Waltham, MA earn a median of $77,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,088.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,926 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,821 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,148
2025 BLS Actual
$75,001
2026 Current Est.
$77,926
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,935 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,521 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,464 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,926 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,965 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $60,148 (2019) to $75,001 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,965 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,817 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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) | $51,342 – $64,710 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,710 – $77,926 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,926 – $92,826 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,826 – $105,212 |
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 Waltham
Analyzing the local job market, Waltham currently employs 11 dietitians and nutritionists, highlighting niche opportunities in this city. With a cost of living index of 108.5, the purchasing power of dietitian and nutritionist pay in Waltham, MA, is important to consider, particularly against local expenses. Certain employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics for diabetes and cardiology offer the most favorable compensation, while positions in schools and public health clinics tend to pay less. A significant variance in salary can be driven by factors like specialization—those with credentials such as CSR, CSO, or CSSD often earn at the higher end of the scale. For professionals looking to maximize their dietitian and nutritionist pay in Waltham, pursuing additional board specialties, establishing a cash-pay private practice, or consulting for sports teams may provide lucrative opportunities, especially with the rising trend in cash-pay models for intuitive eating and health at every size (HAES).
More salary data for Waltham, 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 $75,001 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Waltham 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 Waltham 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