Senior Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Burlington, VT: $96,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of dietitians and nutritionists working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $96,014/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1031. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,111 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, Vermont, the earnings trajectory for experienced dietitians and nutritionists is highly promising, with the 2026 median annual salary reaching $79,795. However, the potential for top earners is significantly higher, with salaries at the 90th percentile (P90) projected to be $96,014 and those at the 75th percentile (P75) around $95,172. This gap illustrates the substantial premium that seasoned professionals can command in the local market, especially when compared to the national median of $79,380. To attain such top-tier compensation, practitioners typically build robust specialties and accumulate extensive experience over seven years or more which is critical for standing out in a competitive field like dietetics in Burlington.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced dietitian and nutritionists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $95,172 and $96,014 per year (2026 est.). This $29,902 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $79,795 sits 0.52% above the US median.
Top DN Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,795 | $79,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,172 | $92,824 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $96,014 | $107,765 |
In Burlington, experienced dietitians and nutritionists (P90) earn 20.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT dietitians and nutritionists with additional specialty certifications within the nutrition field earn significantly above the $79,795 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Dietitians and Nutritionists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nutrition field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $95,172–$96,014 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced dietitians and nutritionists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured dietitians and nutritionists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Dietitians and Nutritionists in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Dietitian and Nutritionist
5-10 yearsDietitian and Nutritionist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #8 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner dietitian and nutritionist salary (90th percentile: $96,014).
Top 10% dietitian and nutritionist compensation in Burlington ($96,014) is 1.21% below the Vermont average P90 ($97,190).
2019 BLS Actual
$105,220
2025 BLS Actual
$92,410
2026 Current Est.
$96,014
2019–2027 Growth
+-5.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,759 | Projected |
Top-earning dietitians and nutritionists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow -12.2% from $105,220 in 2019 to $92,410 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.90% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $99,759 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Dietitian and Nutritionist Earnings in Burlington
The local market rewards specific areas of expertise with elevated salary options, particularly in specialties such as renal nutrition, oncology nutrition, and pediatric nutrition. In Burlington, experienced professionals affiliated with hospitals or specialized clinics often see higher compensation compared to those in school systems or public health initiatives. For instance, those managing clinical nutrition departments or running outpatient programs in diabetes or cardiology are likely to command premium salaries due to the rising demand for focused nutritional guidance. Furthermore, aspiring leaders in this domain can advance to roles such as clinical nutrition manager or even take ownership of private practices, which offer lucrative cash-pay avenues. The evolving educational requirements surrounding the RDN credential emphasize the importance of obtaining a master's degree starting in 2024, further enhancing a dietitian's marketability and potential compensation.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced dietitians and nutritionists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher dietitian and nutritionist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost dietitian and nutritionist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced dietitians and nutritionists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does dietitian and nutritionist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $92,410 for dietitians and nutritionists in the Burlington metro area. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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