Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $79,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $79,896/year (≈ $38.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $77,419 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 is $79,896, slightly above the national median of $79,380. The salary range for these professionals here varies, with entry-level positions earning around $46,598 and top earners reaching up to $116,567. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect the different employment settings available in the area. Dietitians and nutritionists in Chesapeake have the option of pursuing careers in cash-pay private practice or traditional hospital work, which affects their overall earnings potential and job satisfaction. With the growing demand for nutrition services, especially in outpatient settings and private consultations, Chesapeake's job market for this profession remains robust and competitive.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,598 | $22.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,708 | $32.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,896 | $38.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,916 | $47.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,567 | $56.04 |
Median Salary Position
0.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,969 (2026 est.). At $79,896, the local median is 0.65% above the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $79,896/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,183 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | +0.65% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $79,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.90% above the Virginia state average of $79,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,896 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,419 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,669
2025 BLS Actual
$76,897
2026 Current Est.
$79,896
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,051 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,428 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,897 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,012 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $61,669 (2019) to $76,897 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,012 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,343 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $46,598 – $66,708 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,708 – $79,896 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,896 – $97,916 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,916 – $116,567 |
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 Chesapeake
With 63 dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in Chesapeake, the local workforce offers a variety of opportunities that can impact salary outcomes. The cost of living index in Chesapeake is 103.2, indicating that while salaries are generally favorable, the purchasing power is slightly above the national average. Among various employers, clinical nutrition departments in hospitals and specialized outpatient clinics tend to provide the highest salaries, while public health WIC clinics and school district food service programs offer more modest compensation. Factors influencing the salary range include specialization in areas such as renal or sports nutrition, the choice between cash-pay private practice versus corporate settings, and potential stipends associated with advanced board certifications. To maximize earning potential, aspiring dietitians and nutritionists in Chesapeake may benefit from focusing on niche specialties, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures in cash-pay practice, and remaining abreast of the evolving industry's shifts, particularly as the demand for personalized nutrition continues to rise.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
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 $76,897 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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