Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Cortland, NY: $74,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Cortland, NY earns a median $74,838/year (≈ $35.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Cortland's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $64,571 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cortland, NY, dietitian and nutritionist salary estimates indicate a median annual income of $74,838 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $79,380. The salary range for these professionals in the area spans from $52,027 at the lower end (P10) to $94,507 at the higher end (P90). These figures, derived from state-level data aligned with regional cost adjustments, reflect the local market dynamics faced by dietitians and nutritionists. Given the presence of multiple sectors such as clinical settings, outpatient clinics, and public health programs, the job market in Cortland offers various opportunities for growth and specialization, suggesting that professionals in this field can find suitable roles that align with their expertise and interests.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,027 | $25.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,787 | $30.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,838 | $35.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,139 | $41.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,507 | $45.44 |
Median Salary Position
5.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cortland
In Cortland, NY, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,480 (2026 est.). At $74,838, the local median is 5.72% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Cortland: You'd be above the median
How Cortland Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Cortland median: $74,838/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cortland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $81,257 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -5.72% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Cortland, NY earn a median of $74,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.72% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $81,257.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cortland has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cortland, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,838 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,571 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,765
2025 BLS Actual
$72,029
2026 Current Est.
$74,838
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,123 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,693 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,029 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,757 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cortland metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $57,765 (2019) to $72,029 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,757 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,992 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cortland 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) | $52,027 – $63,787 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,787 – $74,838 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,838 – $86,139 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,139 – $94,507 |
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 Cortland
The job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Cortland is modest, with only four employed in the area. The cost-of-living index of 115.9 means that expenses are above the national average, impacting take-home earnings. Given that reimbursement practices vary widely, employers in hospital clinical nutrition departments or long-term care facilities often provide more competitive salaries compared to those in school district food service programs or public health clinics. The variability in pay can also be influenced by specialization, with those holding credentials in renal care, oncology, or diabetes management generally earning higher wages. Additionally, the increasing trend of cash-pay private practices and corporate wellness programs presents opportunities for motivated dietitians to enhance their income through alternative care models. Maximizing pay in this environment may require pursuing advanced certifications or specializing, as well as being open to various employment settings that align with personal career goals.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
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 $72,029 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Cortland 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 Cortland 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