Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $77,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Fredericksburg, VA earns a median $77,106/year (≈ $37.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Fredericksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $74,715 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, VA, the cash-pay private practice model is emerging alongside traditional hospital employment, impacting the overall dietitian and nutritionist salary landscape. Projected estimates for 2026 indicate a median annual salary of $77,106, which sits slightly below the national median of $79,380. The salary range for dietitians and nutritionists in this area spans from $48,649 at the 10th percentile to $104,082 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a spectrum that accommodates both entry-level positions and seasoned professionals. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, suggest a stable job market for this field within Fredericksburg, shaped by evolving healthcare practices and the rising demand for nutrition expertise.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,649 | $23.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,958 | $32.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,106 | $37.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,688 | $43.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,082 | $50.04 |
Median Salary Position
2.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,433 (2026 est.). At $77,106, the local median is 2.86% below the national median of $79,380.
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At 40 hours/week in Fredericksburg: You'd be above the median
How Fredericksburg Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Fredericksburg median: $77,106/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fredericksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,165 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -2.86% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $77,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.86% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $79,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fredericksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fredericksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,106 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,715 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,515
2025 BLS Actual
$74,212
2026 Current Est.
$77,106
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,515 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,283 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,884 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,684 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,309 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,212 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,113 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $59,515 (2019) to $74,212 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,113 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,598 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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) | $48,649 – $66,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,958 – $77,106 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,106 – $90,688 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,688 – $104,082 |
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 Fredericksburg
The local job market currently supports seven dietitians and nutritionists, indicating a manageable but established presence in Fredericksburg. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, aspiring professionals must consider how their take-home pay aligns with local living expenses. Employers in this area—ranging from hospital clinical nutrition departments to outpatient clinics—often yield varying salaries, with private practice potentially offering higher incomes but less stability. The disparity in pay can be influenced by specialization, such as renal or oncology care, as well as the choice between public health roles and corporate wellness initiatives. Maximizing earning potential in the Fredericksburg market may involve further specialization, building a robust private practice, or seeking certifications that elevate credentials, particularly given the master's degree requirement for RDNs beginning in 2024.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 $74,212 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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