Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Pinehurst, NC: $64,783 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Pinehurst, NC earns a median $64,783/year (≈ $31.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Pinehurst's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $69,213 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for dietitians and nutritionists in Pinehurst, North Carolina, stands at a median annual salary of $64,783, which is notably lower than the national median of $79,380, reflecting an approximate 18.39% discrepancy. Salaries in Pinehurst can fluctuate significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $45,469, while top earners in the field may see salaries reach up to $82,598 based on factors such as experience and specialization. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences, which highlights the gradual but noticeable shift towards higher educational qualifications, especially following the master's-degree requirement effective in 2024. This transition is poised to affect the market dynamics for dietitian and nutritionist salary in Pinehurst, creating a competitive edge for those who are highly qualified.
About the Pinehurst Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,469 | $21.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,736 | $26.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,783 | $31.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,680 | $35.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,598 | $39.71 |
Median Salary Position
18.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinehurst
In Pinehurst, NC, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,129 (2026 est.). At $64,783, the local median is 18.39% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Pinehurst: You'd be above the median
How Pinehurst Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Pinehurst median: $64,783/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pinehurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $69,884 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -18.39% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $64,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.39% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.30% below the North Carolina state average of $69,884.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pinehurst 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.
Pinehurst, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $64,783 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,213 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,003
2025 BLS Actual
$62,351
2026 Current Est.
$64,783
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,489 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,313 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,231 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,867 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,351 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,783 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,309 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pinehurst metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $50,003 (2019) to $62,351 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,309 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,306 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinehurst 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) | $45,469 – $55,736 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,736 – $64,783 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,783 – $73,680 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,680 – $82,598 |
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 Pinehurst
As of the latest estimates, there are only four dietitians and nutritionists employed in Pinehurst, indicating a niche job market that presents unique opportunities. The city's cost-of-living index of 93.6 provides a relatively lower economic pressure, allowing for better take-home purchasing power despite the area's lower salary averages. Employers that typically offer higher compensation include hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialized outpatient clinics, particularly those focused on diabetes or oncology. The wide salary range within this profession here is influenced by the variation in specialties—those who concentrate on high-demand areas such as renal care or sports nutrition tend to command higher pay, as do those in cash-pay private practices which are becoming increasingly popular. For aspiring professionals in this field, focusing on obtaining board certifications and exploring private practice opportunities can significantly enhance their earning potential in the Pinehurst market.
More salary data for Pinehurst, 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 $62,351 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst 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