Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Waterford, MI: $68,267 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Waterford, MI earns a median $68,267/year (≈ $32.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Waterford's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $73,248 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Waterford, MI, is $68,267 for 2026, which reflects a notable position in the local job market amid the recent shift to a master's degree requirement by 2024 as stipulated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Salaries range from a lower threshold of $45,285 to as high as $92,554, showcasing significant variation in pay based on experience, specialty, and employment settings. These estimates are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, placing Waterford's financial outlook on the lower end of the national spectrum, where the median dietitian and nutritionist salary is projected at $79,380 in 2026. This context not only highlights the competitive nature of the job market but also suggests that practitioners in Waterford should consider their options carefully as they seek to establish their careers.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,285 | $21.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,920 | $27.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,267 | $32.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,056 | $38.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,554 | $44.50 |
Median Salary Position
14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterford
In Waterford, MI, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,269 (2026 est.). At $68,267, the local median is 14% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterford Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Waterford median: $68,267/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,946 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -14.00% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Waterford, MI earn a median of $68,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.00% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $69,946.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterford has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterford, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $68,267 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,248 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,693
2025 BLS Actual
$65,705
2026 Current Est.
$68,267
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,693 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,258 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,148 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,926 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,705 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,930 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterford metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $52,693 (2019) to $65,705 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,930 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,237 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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) | $45,285 – $56,920 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,920 – $68,267 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,267 – $80,056 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,056 – $92,554 |
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 Waterford
In Waterford, the local employment landscape includes 16 dietitians and nutritionists, and the cost of living index here stands at 93.2, suggesting that professionals have relatively good purchasing power compared to other areas. To maximize their earning potential, individuals may want to explore roles in high-paying sectors, such as hospital clinical nutrition departments or private practice settings that cater to cash-pay models. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to specialization; those who focus on renal or oncology nutrition tend to earn more than those in general clinical roles. Furthermore, the financial benefits that can come from owning a private practice or consulting with sports teams add layers to income potential. With a steady growth rate of 3.90% projected for this profession, dietitians and nutritionists in Waterford, MI, can strategically position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities, particularly within corporate wellness and public health initiatives.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
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 $65,705 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Waterford 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 Waterford 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