Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $72,437 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Winston-Salem, NC earns a median $72,437/year (≈ $34.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Winston-Salem's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $77,390 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the projected salary for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 is $72,437, reflecting a market that offers competitive compensation against the backdrop of national averages. The salary range spans from $42,503 at the 10th percentile to $101,401 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant variability based on experience and specialization. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that dietitian and nutritionist salary in Winston-Salem may be slightly lower than the national median of $79,380, with a difference of about 8.75%. The structural choice between cash-pay private practices and W-2 positions at hospitals further defines earning potential, highlighting a market trend that favors specialists and those willing to venture into independent practice.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,503 | $20.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,435 | $27.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,437 | $34.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,039 | $41.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,401 | $48.75 |
Median Salary Position
8.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, NC, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,898 (2026 est.). At $72,437, the local median is 8.75% below the national median of $79,380.
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How Winston-Salem Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Winston-Salem median: $72,437/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston-Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $69,920 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | -8.75% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $72,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.75% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $69,920.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $72,437 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,390 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,911
2025 BLS Actual
$69,718
2026 Current Est.
$72,437
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,911 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,258 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,586 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,437 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,262 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $55,911 (2019) to $69,718 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,262 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,351 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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) | $42,503 – $56,435 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,435 – $72,437 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,437 – $86,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,039 – $101,401 |
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 Winston-Salem
Focusing on the local job market, Winston-Salem employs 59 dietitians and nutritionists, providing ample opportunities for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, practitioners in this area benefit from a lower living expense, enhancing the purchasing power of their salaries. Among the highest payers are hospital clinical nutrition departments and long-term care facilities, where specialized roles often command premium rates. The disparity in earnings often hinges on individual niches; for instance, those working in renal or oncology settings, as well as cash-pay private practice owners, typically earn more than general clinical dietitians. To maximize pay in this market, pursuing board certifications and developing expertise in high-demand specialties can be beneficial strategies. With the master's degree requirement from CDR effective 2024, those who adapt quickly will find positions that not only pay well but also offer meaningful career growth in this evolving field.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Winston-Salem, NC in 2026?
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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 $69,718 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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