Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Fairfax, VA: $75,615 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Fairfax, VA earns a median $75,615/year (≈ $36.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $73,270 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, the projected dietitian and nutritionist salary for 2026 stands at $75,615 annually, reflecting a slightly lower figure than the national median of $79,380. Salary ranges in the region are varied, with entry-level positions starting around $50,447 and experienced professionals earning as much as $96,103. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, provide a key understanding of earnings potential in the area. While many professionals find job opportunities within hospital-based W-2 settings, the rise of independent cash-pay private practices presents lucrative options for those willing to navigate the evolving dietary landscape.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,447 | $24.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,147 | $30.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,615 | $36.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,810 | $41.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,103 | $46.20 |
Median Salary Position
4.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,656 (2026 est.). At $75,615, the local median is 4.74% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be above the median
How Fairfax Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $75,615/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,178 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -4.74% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $75,615 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.74% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $79,178.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,615 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,270 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,364
2025 BLS Actual
$72,777
2026 Current Est.
$75,615
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,364 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,726 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,299 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,376 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,777 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,615 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,564 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $58,364 (2019) to $72,777 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,564 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,200 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $50,447 – $63,147 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,147 – $75,615 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,615 – $85,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,810 – $96,103 |
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 Fairfax
Despite the median salary seeming competitive, the local labor market only accommodates four dietitians and nutritionists, making prospects limited but targeted. The cost-of-living index in Fairfax stands at 103.2, which indicates a slightly higher-than-average expense for residents, possibly affecting overall purchasing power. Among various employers, those in hospital clinical nutrition departments generally offered the most lucrative positions, while specialties in renal, oncology, and sports nutrition can command higher pay compared to general clinical roles. Factors driving salary disparities include board certifications, specialty stipends, and the choice between public health settings and cash-pay private practice. To maximize earnings in Fairfax, professionals are advised to pursue added credentials, develop niche specialties, and consider the burgeoning cash-pay model, tapping into wellness programs and consulting opportunities in the community.
More salary data for Fairfax, 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 $72,777 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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