Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Matthews, NC: $69,090 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Matthews, NC earns a median $69,090/year (≈ $33.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Matthews's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $73,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Matthews, NC is $69,090, positioning it notably below the national median of $79,380. Local salaries fall within a broad range, from $45,059 for the lowest earners (P10) to $88,629 for those in the top echelons (P90). This figure reflects estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, illustrating the choices that practitioners in Matthews face between cash-pay private practice and traditional employment in hospitals. The presence of both structures creates a diverse job market, providing pathways for various individuals depending on their preferred workplace hierarchy and compensation structure.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,059 | $21.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,089 | $27.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,090 | $33.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,438 | $37.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,629 | $42.61 |
Median Salary Position
12.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
In Matthews, NC, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,570 (2026 est.). At $69,090, the local median is 12.96% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Matthews: You'd be above the median
How Matthews Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Matthews median: $69,090/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Matthews Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $69,859 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -12.96% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Matthews, NC earn a median of $69,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.96% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $69,859.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Matthews has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Matthews, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $69,090 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,328
2025 BLS Actual
$66,497
2026 Current Est.
$69,090
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,912 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,659 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,837 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,648 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,497 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,090 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,785 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Matthews metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $53,328 (2019) to $66,497 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,785 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,457 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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) | $45,059 – $57,089 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,089 – $69,090 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,090 – $78,438 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,438 – $88,629 |
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 Matthews
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are only 8 dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in Matthews, underscoring a competitive landscape. With a cost of living index at 93.6, professionals here experience a lower living expense, which could enhance their take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Among local employers, those in clinical nutrition departments within hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, while cash-pay private practices are gaining traction, attracting those seeking autonomy in their earnings. The disparity in pay often stems from specialization, with fields such as renal and oncology nutrition commanding higher rates than general clinical roles. For dietitians and nutritionists looking to maximize their pay in Matthews, pursuing board certifications, building a niche in high-demand specialties, or venturing into cash-pay private practice are strategic avenues worth considering.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
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 $66,497 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Matthews 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 Matthews 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