Dietitian / Nutritionist.
Providence.
$66,000
median salary, 3% above the national average
$54,000 to $80,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Providence is 4% more expensive than the national average. For Dietitian / Nutritionists, that shakes out to a median of $66,000, with the full range spanning $54,000 to $80,000. Practice setting drives the most variation, with hospital clinical dietitians earning above community health and long-term care positions. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $59,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
to $53,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$56,000
to $69,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$73,000
to $86,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$83,000
to $102,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $16,000 to the total package.
Base
$66,000
Equity
$9,000
Bonus
$6,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $82,000
How Providence compares
Providence, RI
$66,000
Cost of living: 4% above average
National Average
$64,000
Providence is $2,000 above
Dietitian / Nutritionist salary by city
Salary by role in Providence
What you should know
The Dietitian / Nutritionist landscape in Providence is not what most salary sites will tell you. Providence sits between Boston and New York, benefiting from both labor markets. The city's economy is driven by healthcare, higher education, and a growing design and creative sector anchored by RISD. Defense and marine industries also contribute to the local job market. Practice setting drives the most variation, with hospital clinical dietitians earning above community health and long-term care positions. Board certifications in specialties like oncology nutrition, renal, or sports dietetics add 8 to 12% premiums. State licensure requirements and metropolitan locations with higher demand also increase compensation.
Entry-level RDs earn $50,000 to $56,000 in clinical settings after completing their internship. Experienced clinical dietitians with specializations reach $65,000 to $78,000. Nutrition directors or private practice owners can earn $80,000 to $105,000 depending on setting and client volume. In Providence, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Clinical dietitians receive comprehensive hospital benefits including health insurance, retirement matching, and CE reimbursement. Private practice dietitians can earn more per hour but face overhead costs. Some positions offer meal stipends and wellness program incentives. And on the tax side: rhode Island's top income tax rate is 5.99%. Providence has no city income tax. The state rate is moderate for the Northeast, and proximity to Boston creates competitive salary pressure. When someone quotes you $66,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Reference Boston salary benchmarks. Providence employers know they compete for talent with Boston and will often offer 85 to 95% of Boston rates to attract professionals. The range for Dietitian / Nutritionists in Providence runs from $54,000 to $80,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Clinical Research Coordinator in Providence earns $65,000 (2% less)
- The highest-paying role in Providence is Chief AI Officer at $332,000
Common questions.
Dietitian / Nutritionist salary in other cities
Other salaries in Providence
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