Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Harrisonburg, VA: $78,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Harrisonburg, VA earns a median $78,051/year (≈ $37.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Harrisonburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $75,631 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitian and nutritionist professionals in Harrisonburg, VA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $78,051, which aligns closely with the national median of $79,380. The local salary dynamics present a range from $52,983 at the 10th percentile to $107,329 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diversity within the profession based on experience and specialization. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account regional cost adjustments. The job market here supports 11 dietitians and nutritionists, hinting at a growing demand for these experts in the community, particularly as the field adapts to new healthcare standards and personal nutrition trends.
About the Harrisonburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,983 | $25.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,983 | $31.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,051 | $37.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,436 | $44.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,329 | $51.60 |
Median Salary Position
1.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harrisonburg
In Harrisonburg, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,346 (2026 est.). At $78,051, the local median is 1.67% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harrisonburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harrisonburg Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Harrisonburg median: $78,051/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harrisonburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,239 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -1.67% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Harrisonburg, VA earn a median of $78,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.67% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.50% below the Virginia state average of $79,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harrisonburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Harrisonburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,051 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,631 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,244
2025 BLS Actual
$75,121
2026 Current Est.
$78,051
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Harrisonburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,244 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,034 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,338 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,121 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,095 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harrisonburg metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $60,244 (2019) to $75,121 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,095 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,851 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harrisonburg 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) | $52,983 – $65,983 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,983 – $78,051 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,051 – $92,436 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,436 – $107,329 |
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 Harrisonburg
Analyzing the local job market further, the cost of living in Harrisonburg is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 103.2, which can affect the take-home purchasing power of dietitians and nutritionists. Among the highest-paying opportunities in the area are positions within hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialty clinics focusing on outpatient diabetes, cardiology, and oncology. The variance in salaries can often be attributed to specialization, with those holding board certifications in areas like renal (CSR) or oncology (CSO) typically earning more than their general clinical counterparts. Additionally, private practice owners and consultants for sports teams can also command higher income. To maximize compensation, dietitians and nutritionists should consider pursuing specialized credentials, engaging in cash-pay models where feasible, and seeking employment opportunities in environments that value advanced expertise.
More salary data for Harrisonburg, 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 $75,121 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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