Reston vs Virginia Beach: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Reston, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,454 | $79,587▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.24 | $38.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,636 | $52,179▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,772▲ | $61,176 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,142▲ | $85,697 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,132▲ | $102,113 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reston.
The salary gap between Reston and Virginia Beach is $2,133 (2.75%). Virginia Beach's median is +0.26% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reston spans $53,496,Virginia Beach spans $49,934. Reston 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, Virginia Beach ($81,260 effective) pays 8.27% more than Reston ($75,052 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,132)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,587/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,260)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Reston grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Reston, VA
$66,608 (2024) → $74,547 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$53,570 (2019) → $76,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Reston or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reston and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Reston to Virginia Beach as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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