Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Herndon, VA: $74,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Herndon, VA earns a median $74,192/year (≈ $35.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Herndon's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $71,891 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Herndon, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $74,192. This figure sits slightly below the national median of $79,380, indicating a relatively lower wage scale in the area when considering the local market dynamics. The salary range for these professionals spans from $53,396 at the 10th percentile to $91,627 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available based on experience, specialization, and work setting. These local figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted to account for regional cost differences, suggesting that while salaries may be competitive, the premium associated with specialist credentials such as CSR or CSSD can significantly enhance earning potential in the local market.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,396 | $25.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,794 | $31.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,192 | $35.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,544 | $39.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,627 | $44.05 |
Median Salary Position
6.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herndon
In Herndon, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,231 (2026 est.). At $74,192, the local median is 6.54% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Herndon: You'd be above the median
How Herndon Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Herndon median: $74,192/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Herndon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,180 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -6.54% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Herndon, VA earn a median of $74,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.54% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $79,180.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Herndon has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Herndon, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,192 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,891 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,266
2025 BLS Actual
$71,407
2026 Current Est.
$74,192
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,266 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,967 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,621 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,107 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,085 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Herndon metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $57,266 (2019) to $71,407 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,085 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,819 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herndon 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) | $53,396 – $64,794 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,794 – $74,192 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,192 – $82,544 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,544 – $91,627 |
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 Herndon
In Herndon, the job market for dietitians and nutritionists is relatively small, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the economic landscape indicates that while salaries may appear moderate, the purchasing power may be impacted by local expenses. Opportunities for higher pay often reside within hospital clinical nutrition departments, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics, especially those focusing on diabetes or oncology. The variance in salary can greatly depend on one’s specialty—those with advanced credentials and who work in cash-pay private practice or consulting for sports teams often command higher rates. To optimize earning potential in Herndon, pursuing board certifications, specializing in lucrative fields, and exploring cash-pay models may be strategic approaches for aspiring dietitians and nutritionists.
More salary data for Herndon, 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 $71,407 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Herndon 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 Herndon 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