Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $77,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $77,875/year (≈ $37.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $75,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Suffolk, Virginia, stands at $77,875, a figure slightly lower than the national median of $79,380. The salary range is broad, from $52,585 at the lower end to a high of $109,380, reflecting the diversity in job roles and settings available to RDNs. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, also take into account regional cost adjustments, which are critical for understanding how pay scales against the local cost of living. Given that 15 dietitians and nutritionists are currently employed in the area, professionals with advanced credentials, such as those with master’s degrees or specialized training, may find Suffolk an appealing market for practice due to its evolving healthcare landscape and demand for nutrition expertise.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,585 | $25.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,625 | $31.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,875 | $37.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,170 | $42.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,380 | $52.58 |
Median Salary Position
1.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,795 (2026 est.). At $77,875, the local median is 1.9% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $77,875/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $79,222 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -1.90% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $77,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.90% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $79,222.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,875 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,460 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,109
2025 BLS Actual
$74,952
2026 Current Est.
$77,875
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,109 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,482 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,191 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,359 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,952 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,912 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $60,109 (2019) to $74,952 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,912 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,803 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $52,585 – $65,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,625 – $77,875 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,875 – $89,170 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,170 – $109,380 |
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 Suffolk
A closer inspection of the job market reveals that while there are only a handful of dietitians and nutritionists in Suffolk, various employment settings impact salary expectations. The cost of living index for the area is 103.2, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average, thereby affecting take-home pay. Employers in hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics generally offer more competitive salaries than those in public health or school district food service programs, creating a disparity in compensation levels. Factors like specialty expertise, such as renal dietetics or sports nutrition consulting, can significantly influence earning potential. Additionally, professionals considering cash-pay private practice may capitalize on the emerging demand for personalized nutrition services while enhancing income through consulting opportunities. To maximize pay in Suffolk, RDNs should seek advanced credentials, specialize in high-demand areas, and consider diversifying their income streams within the growing cash-pay practice model.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Suffolk, VA in 2026?
Is Suffolk, VA a good place to work as a dietitian and nutritionist?
Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Suffolk?
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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 $74,952 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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