Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Alexandria, VA: $84,221 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Alexandria, VA earns a median $84,221/year (≈ $40.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $81,609 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 is $84,221, reflecting a growing demand for RDNs in a market transitioning to master's-level requirements as mandated by the CDR starting in 2024. This increase positions Alexandria's pay slightly above the national median of $79,380, indicating a robust local job market for this profession. Income distribution within the field varies significantly, with salaries ranging from $55,459 at the lower 10th percentile to $117,250 at the upper 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, making it crucial for prospective dietitians and nutritionists to understand both the salary range and the competitive landscape of Alexandria's healthcare sector.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,459 | $26.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,114 | $33.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,221 | $40.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,409 | $48.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,250 | $56.37 |
Median Salary Position
6.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,791 (2026 est.). At $84,221, the local median is 6.1% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $84,221/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,230 | +6.30% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | +6.10% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $84,221 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.10% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 6.30% above the Virginia state average of $79,230.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,221 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $81,609 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,007
2025 BLS Actual
$81,060
2026 Current Est.
$84,221
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,938 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,221 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,506 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $65,007 (2019) to $81,060 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,506 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,499 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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) | $55,459 – $70,114 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,114 – $84,221 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,221 – $100,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,409 – $117,250 |
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 Alexandria
Examining the local job market, Alexandria employs roughly 26 dietitians and nutritionists, who must navigate a cost-of-living index of 103.2, indicating that residents face higher living expenses relative to the national average. While many hospitals and outpatient clinics offer solid starting salaries, specialty employers such as long-term care facilities and corporate wellness programs often present the most lucrative opportunities. High salaries can usually be found in niches like renal or oncology dietetics, where specialized certifications and extensive experience allow professionals to command premium pay. To enhance earning potential, dietitians in Alexandria should consider broadening their expertise in high-demand areas, exploring cash-pay private practices, or consulting for sports teams. With the healthcare industry's rapid evolution, embracing flexibility and continuous education will be vital for those seeking to thrive and maximize their dietitian and nutritionist pay in Alexandria, VA.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
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 $81,060 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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