Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Radford, VA: $75,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Radford, VA earns a median $75,752/year (≈ $36.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $73,403 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Radford, Virginia are projected to earn a median annual salary of $75,752, which reflects a modest decline compared to the national median of $79,380. The local salary range for these professionals spans from $50,775 at the 10th percentile to $93,942 at the 90th percentile, offering a diverse landscape for potential earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, illustrating how choices between cash-pay private practices and traditional W-2 employment within hospitals can significantly impact compensation. The Radford job market for dietitians and nutritionists provides opportunities amid a growing demand for nutrition services, particularly as health consciousness continues to rise.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,775 | $24.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,412 | $31.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,752 | $36.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,520 | $40.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,942 | $45.17 |
Median Salary Position
4.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,167 (2026 est.). At $75,752, the local median is 4.57% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be above the median
How Radford Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Radford median: $75,752/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,239 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -4.57% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Radford, VA earn a median of $75,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.57% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.40% below the Virginia state average of $79,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,752 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,403 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,470
2025 BLS Actual
$72,909
2026 Current Est.
$75,752
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,414 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $58,470 (2019) to $72,909 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,237 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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) | $50,775 – $66,412 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,412 – $75,752 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,752 – $84,520 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,520 – $93,942 |
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 Radford
Examining the job market in Radford, there are currently only six dietitians and nutritionists employed in the area, highlighting a competitive but limited field. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, the cost pressure on take-home pay is relatively manageable. Employers such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics tend to offer the highest salaries, especially for specialists in areas like oncology or renal nutrition. Factors influencing salary variations include the type of practice—such as cash-pay private practice versus public health settings—and the level of specialization. To maximize pay, professionals in Radford are encouraged to focus on niche areas like sports performance or diabetes management, augment their income through consulting, or consider pursuing additional certifications that may elevate their professional standing and compensation potential.
More salary data for Radford, 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 $72,909 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Radford 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 Radford 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