Albany vs Rochester: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,216▲ | $75,857 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.52▲ | $36.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,044 | $66,018▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,756▲ | $68,595 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,897▲ | $82,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,895▲ | $94,248 |
| Total Employed | 270 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $6,359 (8.38%). Albany's median is +3.57% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $49,851,Rochester spans $28,230. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($82,574 effective) pays 5.63% more than Rochester ($78,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,216/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,895)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,574)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Albany grew 17.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$67,250 (2019) → $79,130 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$57,940 (2019) → $73,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Albany or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Albany to Rochester as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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