Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Ferndale, MI: $66,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Ferndale, MI earns a median $66,387/year (≈ $31.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Ferndale's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $71,231 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median annual dietitian and nutritionist salary in Ferndale, MI, is projected to be $66,387, which is notably lower than the national average of $79,380. The salary range spans from $43,892 at the 10th percentile to $83,456 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variability in compensation based on experience, setting, and specialization. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The introduction of a master's degree requirement for entry-level dietitian positions may have contributed to the modest salary landscape in Ferndale, especially as professionals transition to meet these new educational standards. As such, the job market for dietitians and nutritionists in the area presents both challenges and opportunities.
About the Ferndale Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,892 | $21.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,941 | $26.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,387 | $31.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,966 | $36.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,456 | $40.13 |
Median Salary Position
16.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ferndale
In Ferndale, MI, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,564 (2026 est.). At $66,387, the local median is 16.37% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ferndale: You'd be above the median
How Ferndale Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Ferndale median: $66,387/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ferndale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,955 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -16.37% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Ferndale, MI earn a median of $66,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.37% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $69,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ferndale has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ferndale, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $66,387 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,231 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,241
2025 BLS Actual
$63,895
2026 Current Est.
$66,387
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Ferndale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,241 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,574 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,895 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,976 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ferndale metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $51,241 (2019) to $63,895 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,976 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,735 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ferndale 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) | $43,892 – $54,941 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,941 – $66,387 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,387 – $74,966 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,966 – $83,456 |
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 Ferndale
The local job market currently employs five dietitians and nutritionists, indicating a niche yet stable demand for these professionals in Ferndale. Living in an area with a cost-of-living index of 93.2 means that professionals can stretch their salaries further than in many other regions. Among local employers, those in hospital clinical nutrition departments typically offer some of the highest salaries, while public health clinics and school district food services might pay less. The disparity in salary can often be linked to specialization; for instance, dietitians focusing on niches such as oncology or sports nutrition may command higher pay than those in general clinical roles. Additionally, the growth of cash-pay private practices allows for potentially higher earnings for those venturing outside traditional employment. Dietitians seeking to maximize their earning potential in Ferndale should consider acquiring specialized credentials, exploring cash-pay opportunities, and engaging in consulting roles that cater to local sports teams or corporate wellness programs.
More salary data for Ferndale, MI:
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 $63,895 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Ferndale 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 Ferndale 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