Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Rockville, MD: $84,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Rockville, MD earns a median $84,585/year (≈ $40.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Rockville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $77,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist salary in Rockville, Maryland is projected to reach a median of $84,585. This figure represents a notable increase compared to the national median of $79,380, indicating that local professionals can expect compensation that is approximately 6.56% higher than the national standard. The salary range for this role spans from $55,978 at the 10th percentile to $114,297 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied opportunities available within the field. Given the recent requirement for a master's degree for credentialing as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) established by the CDR effective in 2024, the shift has led to heightened entry compensation levels, signifying a robust job market for those pursuing careers in health and nutrition.
About the Rockville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,978 | $26.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,575 | $32.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,585 | $40.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,223 | $47.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,297 | $54.95 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockville
In Rockville, MD, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,319 (2026 est.). At $84,585, the local median is 6.56% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockville Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Rockville median: $84,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $86,754 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | +6.56% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Rockville, MD earn a median of $84,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $86,754.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockville has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockville, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,585 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,388 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,288
2025 BLS Actual
$81,410
2026 Current Est.
$84,585
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,288 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,227 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,693 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,853 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,884 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockville metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $65,288 (2019) to $81,410 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,884 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,596 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockville 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) | $55,978 – $68,575 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,575 – $84,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,585 – $99,223 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,223 – $114,297 |
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 Rockville
Rockville's job market employs approximately 15 dietitians and nutritionists, contributing to a diverse landscape of opportunities. The cost of living index, currently at 109.3, suggests that while salaries may appear substantial, the take-home purchasing power can be impacted by higher living expenses. Employers willing to offer competitive salaries include hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics specializing in diabetes and cardiology, which tend to pay more than public health venues or school district programs. The disparity between low and high incomes often correlates with specialization, as areas like renal care or oncology command higher rates, while private practices, especially those implementing cash-pay models, have also witnessed growth. To maximize earnings, dietitians and nutritionists in Rockville are encouraged to seek advanced certifications, consider specialty areas, and explore opportunities in cash-pay private practices, where client retention can offer additional financial benefits.
More salary data for Rockville, 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 $81,410 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Rockville 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 Rockville 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