Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 270+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$82,150
$39.50/hr
vs National Average
$73,491
+11.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $112K
270 employed in District of Columbia
Dietitian and Nutritionist salary in District of Columbia averages $82,150 annually, positioning the nation's capital above the national median. The District employs approximately 270 dietitians and nutritionists, with salaries ranging from $50,010 to $111,530 per year. This 12% premium over the national average reflects the region's higher cost of living and concentrated healthcare sector.
Several factors influence earning potential for nutrition professionals in the District. Experience level, specialized certifications, and employer type significantly impact compensation, with hospital systems and private practices often offering different salary structures. Educational credentials, client base size for independent practitioners, and advancement into supervisory or research roles also determine where professionals fall within the local salary range.
Salary Distribution — Dietitian and Nutritionist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,010 |
| 25th percentile | $77,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,150 |
| 75th percentile | $98,430 |
| 90th percentile | $111,530 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dietitian and Nutritionist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dietitian and Nutritionists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dietitian and Nutritionists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $89,900 | 120 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $86,880 | 70 |
| Finance and Insurance | $80,480 | 150 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,070 | 9K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $77,380 | 800 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dietitian and Nutritionist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,380 |
| 2023 | $81,220 |
| 2024 | $77,010 |
| 2025 | $82,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,079 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,380 | $66,075 |
| 2023 | $81,220 | $68,348 |
| 2024 | $77,010 | $70,657 |
| 2025 | $82,150 | $73,491 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,079 | $77,900 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,430 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $111,530 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Other States
Related Dietitian and Nutritionist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Dietitian and Nutritionist ($82,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dietitian and Nutritionist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +287.3% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +223.5% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +184.1% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +171.8% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +146.6% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +122.9% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +122.1% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +88.8% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +86.7% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +67.0% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +65.4% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +64.5% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for dietitians and nutritionists in District of Columbia is $82,150 per year, or $39 per hour. This is 11.8% higher than the national average, making it one of the better-paying locations for this profession.
What is the salary range for nutritionists in DC?
- Dietitians and nutritionists in District of Columbia earn between $50,010 and $111,530 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. The median of $82,150 falls comfortably in the middle of this range.
Is DC a good place to work as a dietitian compared to the national average?
- Yes, District of Columbia offers an 11.8% salary premium compared to the national average for dietitians and nutritionists. With a median salary of $82,150, DC ranks above most other locations in the country for this career.
How many dietitian jobs are available in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 270 dietitians and nutritionists currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents the total employed in the field across the district.