Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Plainfield, NJ: $91,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Plainfield, NJ earns a median $91,273/year (≈ $43.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Plainfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $79,230 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Plainfield, NJ can expect a median annual salary of $91,273, surpassing the national median of $79,380 by nearly 15%. Local salary projections indicate a range from $56,152 at the lowest decile to $127,847 for the top earners. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, account for regional price adjustments, reflecting Plainfield’s above-average cost of living index of 115.2. The transition to requiring a master's degree for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) starting in 2024 has likely influenced the entry-level compensation, making the field more competitive. As a result, opportunities for growth are promising in this market, especially in specialized roles and corporate health initiatives.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,152 | $26.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,086 | $35.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,273 | $43.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,021 | $50.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,847 | $61.47 |
Median Salary Position
14.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plainfield
In Plainfield, NJ, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,695 (2026 est.). At $91,273, the local median is 14.98% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plainfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plainfield Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Plainfield median: $91,273/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plainfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $91,456 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | +14.98% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $91,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $91,456.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plainfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plainfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $91,273 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,230 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,450
2025 BLS Actual
$87,847
2026 Current Est.
$91,273
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,887 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,387 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,833 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plainfield metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $70,450 (2019) to $87,847 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,833 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,383 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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) | $56,152 – $73,086 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,086 – $91,273 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,273 – $104,021 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,021 – $127,847 |
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 Plainfield
The local job market shows a modest employment figure of 10 dietitians and nutritionists, yet the demand remains steady, influenced by the growing emphasis on health and wellness in various sectors. With a cost of living that exceeds the national average, take-home pay can be impacted, so it’s vital for professionals to consider their employment options wisely. Among the best-paying employers in the area are hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient centers focused on diabetes and cardiology, which typically offer better compensation packages. The disparity in salaries can largely be attributed to specialization; those working in high-demand areas such as renal care or private practices often see higher earnings. Additionally, maximizing pay may involve seeking board certifications, exploring cash-pay opportunities, or venturing into consulting with athletic teams. For those in Plainfield, actively pursuing roles in these lucrative sectors will enhance their earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
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 $87,847 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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