Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Johnston, RI: $77,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Johnston, RI earns a median $77,145/year (≈ $37.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $76,761 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Rhode Island, the projected salary for professionals in the dietitian and nutritionist field stands at $77,145 for 2026. This figure reflects a competitive landscape within the state, where salaries range from $54,181 at the lower tenth percentile to $102,936 at the ninetieth percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, position Johnston's compensation slightly below the national average of $79,380. This salary context may influence career decisions, particularly for those considering the balance between pursuing cash-pay private practices versus traditional employment in hospitals or clinics, where W-2 structures often dominate.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,181 | $26.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,646 | $31.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,145 | $37.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,237 | $43.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,936 | $49.49 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, RI, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,755 (2026 est.). At $77,145, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Johnston median: $77,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $79,777 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -2.82% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Johnston, RI earn a median of $77,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $79,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,145 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,761 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,545
2025 BLS Actual
$74,249
2026 Current Est.
$77,145
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,314 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,718 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,029 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,249 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,153 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $59,545 (2019) to $74,249 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,153 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,608 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $54,181 – $64,646 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,646 – $77,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,145 – $90,237 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,237 – $102,936 |
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 Johnston
The job market in Johnston reflects modest employment levels, with only eight dietitians and nutritionists currently working in the area. The local cost-of-living index, at 100.5, suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must also be weighed against everyday expenses that may marginally reduce take-home purchasing power. High earners often find positions in hospital clinical nutrition departments or specialized outpatient clinics, such as those focusing on diabetes or oncology. The significant spread between low and high salaries in this market can be attributed to factors like specialization in areas such as renal care or sports consulting, as well as the differences in income generated from cash-pay private practices compared to public health positions. For those in Johnston aiming to enhance their earning potential, seeking advanced credentials and specialized training can open more lucrative opportunities, particularly as the demand for nuanced nutrition services continues to grow.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Johnston?
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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 $74,249 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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