Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Amherst, MA: $79,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Amherst, MA earns a median $79,354/year (≈ $38.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,137 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Amherst, Massachusetts, can anticipate a median annual salary of $79,354 in 2026, which aligns closely with the national median of $79,380. The salary range in this area extends from $50,026 at the 10th percentile to $102,176 at the 90th percentile, providing a substantial earning potential depending on various factors such as experience and specialty. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, adjust for local cost-of-living considerations, with Amherst’s index sitting at 108.5, indicating a higher-than-average cost of living compared to the national average. Those entering the field should consider the structural choice between cash-pay private practice and W-2 employment in hospitals, as this decision strongly influences income potential and job satisfaction within the city's unique market.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,026 | $24.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,879 | $33.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,354 | $38.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,322 | $43.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,176 | $49.12 |
Median Salary Position
0.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,150 (2026 est.). At $79,354, the local median is 0.03% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be above the median
How Amherst Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Amherst median: $79,354/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,074 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -0.03% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Amherst, MA earn a median of $79,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.03% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,074.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,354 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,137 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,250
2025 BLS Actual
$76,375
2026 Current Est.
$79,354
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,069 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,657 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,011 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,375 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,448 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $61,250 (2019) to $76,375 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,448 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,198 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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) | $50,026 – $68,879 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,879 – $79,354 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,354 – $90,322 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,322 – $102,176 |
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 Amherst
At present, there are only six dietitians and nutritionists employed in Amherst, reflecting a specialized local job market for these professionals. Given the higher cost of living, the effective take-home pay can be significantly impacted by employment choice, especially among various healthcare settings. In particular, roles in hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics related to diabetes, cardiology, or oncology typically offer the most competitive salaries. Factors like specialty certification—such as renal or oncology credentials—and the growing trend toward cash-pay private practices can widen the earnings gap. As the dietitian and nutritionist salary in Amherst continues to evolve, professionals should actively pursue additional qualifications and consider niche markets, including sports team consulting or corporate wellness programs, to maximize their earning potential in this dynamic environment.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
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 $76,375 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Amherst 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 Amherst 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