Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Dietitian Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median dietitian salary in Columbia, MD is $81,069 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$81,069
vs State Avg
+$5,316
vs National
+$14,619
Cost of Living
118%

Dietitian Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median dietitian salary of $81,069, which is $5,316 above the Maryland state average of $75,753. Compared to the national median of $66,450, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $81,069 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,703. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dietitians in Columbia spans from $51,240 at the 10th percentile to $120,780 at the 90th percentile — a $69,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,900, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,900. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dietitian Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level dietitian earns around $54,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,900
+$9,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,960
+$14,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,900
+$20,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $51,240
25th Percentile $64,660
Median (50th) $81,069
75th Percentile $101,260
90th Percentile $120,780

Dietitian Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$83,727
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$79,076
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$74,424
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$72,431
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Dietitian in Columbia

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in Columbia

Browse open dietitian positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Columbia

How much does a Dietitian make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Columbia, Maryland is $81,069 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $51,240 (10th percentile) to $120,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,069, a dietitian in Columbia earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Columbia's median dietitian salary of $81,069 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $75,753. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $81,069 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Columbia? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.