Dietitian Salary in Arlington, VA: $89,043 (2026)

Dietitian Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median dietitian salary of $89,043, which is $18,606 above the Virginia state average of $70,437. Compared to the national median of $66,450, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $89,043 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $67,457. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dietitians in Arlington spans from $56,280 at the 10th percentile to $132,660 at the 90th percentile — a $76,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,300, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,300. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dietitian Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level dietitian earns around $60,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,300

+$15,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$91,120

+$23,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,300

+$32,300 vs national

Percentile	Arlington	VA State	National
10th Percentile	$56,280	$44,520	$42,000
25th Percentile	$71,020	$56,180	$53,000
Median (50th)	$89,043	$70,437	$66,450
75th Percentile	$111,220	$87,980	$83,000
90th Percentile	$132,660	$104,940	$99,000

Percentile

Arlington

10th Percentile

$56,280

25th Percentile

$71,020

Median (50th)

$89,043

75th Percentile

$111,220

90th Percentile

$132,660

How to Become a Dietitian in Arlington

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Arlington

How much does a Dietitian make in Arlington, VA? ▼

The median dietitian salary in Arlington, Virginia is $89,043 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $56,280 (10th percentile) to $132,660 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Arlington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $89,043, a dietitian in Arlington earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for dietitian pay? ▼

Arlington's median dietitian salary of $89,043 is 26.4% above the Virginia state average of $70,437. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼

Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $89,043 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Arlington? ▼

Most dietitian positions in Arlington 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.

Dietitian Salary in Arlington, Virginia