Boston vs Chelsea: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,876▲ | $79,347 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.89▲ | $38.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,036▲ | $52,315 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,328▲ | $65,796 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,611▲ | $90,368 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,765▲ | $101,959 |
| Total Employed | 2,000▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $1,529 (1.93%). Boston's median is +1.88% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $44,729,Chelsea spans $49,644. Chelsea has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($74,701 effective) pays 2.15% more than Chelsea ($73,131 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,876/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,765)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,701)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Boston grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$67,980 (2019) → $77,840 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$86,005 (2024) → $76,369 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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