Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Bethesda, MD: $83,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Bethesda, MD earns a median $83,802/year (≈ $40.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $76,672 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Bethesda, Maryland, reflect the area's robust demand for these professionals, with a projected median annual compensation of $83,802 for 2026. This figure slightly exceeds the national median by 5.57%, indicating a favorable local market for qualified candidates. Salaries within this profession range from $53,894 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $114,982 at the higher end (90th percentile), as the market adjusts for various specialties and experience levels. These estimates stem from BLS state-level data, taking into account regional price parities, which enhance the city's economic context. Such a competitive salary landscape suggests strong job opportunities for those entering this field in Bethesda.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,894 | $25.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,858 | $33.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,802 | $40.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,094 | $47.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,982 | $55.27 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,088 (2026 est.). At $83,802, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $83,802/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $86,751 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | +5.57% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $83,802 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $86,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,802 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,672 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,683
2025 BLS Actual
$80,656
2026 Current Est.
$83,802
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,683 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,605 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,084 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,070 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $64,683 (2019) to $80,656 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,070 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,387 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $53,894 – $68,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,858 – $83,802 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,802 – $99,094 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,094 – $114,982 |
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 Bethesda
The local job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Bethesda holds steady, with about 18 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 109.3, slightly above the national average, which could affect the real purchasing power of these salaries. Certain employers, particularly hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialized clinics such as those focusing on diabetes or oncology, tend to offer the highest compensation. Additionally, the range in salaries is driven by factors like specialty certification, ownership of cash-pay practices, and the choice between public health roles versus corporate wellness positions. For those looking to maximize their earnings, obtaining board specialties or pursuing consulting opportunities with sports teams can significantly elevate pay. Understanding the local market dynamics and positioning oneself strategically will be essential for aspiring dietitians and nutritionists in Bethesda, MD.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $80,656 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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