Chelsea vs Springfield: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chelsea, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chelsea, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,347▲ | $75,421 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.15▲ | $36.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,315 | $59,680▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,796 | $68,055▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,368 | $92,242▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,959 | $106,362▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Chelsea and Springfield are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chelsea and Springfield is $3,926 (5.21%). Chelsea's median is -0.04% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chelsea spans $49,644,Springfield spans $46,682. Chelsea has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($78,514 effective) pays 7.36% 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 Chelsea if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,347/year)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,362)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,514)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Chelsea grew -11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Chelsea, MA
$86,005 (2024) → $76,369 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$67,120 (2019) → $72,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chelsea, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chelsea or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chelsea and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Chelsea to Springfield as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Chelsea vs Springfield?
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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