Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Watertown, MA: $79,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Watertown, MA earns a median $79,043/year (≈ $38.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, the projected salary for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 sits at $79,043, distinctly below the national median of $79,380. The salary range for these professionals spans from $51,686 at the 10th percentile to $101,163 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Since the master's degree requirement was implemented in 2024, I expect a continued emphasis on higher education and specialization to impact starting salaries and job offerings in the area.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,686 | $24.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,225 | $32.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,043 | $38.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,595 | $43.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,163 | $48.64 |
Median Salary Position
0.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,477 (2026 est.). At $79,043, the local median is 0.42% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be above the median
How Watertown Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Watertown median: $79,043/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,084 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -0.42% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Watertown, MA earn a median of $79,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.42% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,084.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,043 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,851 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,010
2025 BLS Actual
$76,076
2026 Current Est.
$79,043
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,822 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,389 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,168 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,076 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,126 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $61,010 (2019) to $76,076 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,126 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,116 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $51,686 – $68,225 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,225 – $79,043 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,043 – $89,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,595 – $101,163 |
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 Watertown
Despite the relatively modest average salary, the job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Watertown showcases a resilient demand, with seven professionals currently employed. The cost of living index, measured at 108.5, presents a challenge, meaning professionals must be strategic about their compensation packages to maintain an adequate standard of living. Among local employers, hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics specializing in diabetes and heart health tend to offer better pay, capitalizing on the increasing need for specialized care. Variability in salaries also stems from individual expertise in niche areas, such as oncology or renal nutrition, as well as practices in cash-pay settings that can offer substantial earnings without the constraints of insurance billing. To maximize earning potential in this local market, dietitians and nutritionists should consider pursuing advanced certifications and cultivating relationships with potential cash-pay clients, all while navigating the shifting landscape of healthcare delivery in Watertown.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 $76,076 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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