Altoona vs Philadelphia: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,920▲ | $77,780 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.42▲ | $37.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,467▲ | $50,184 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,847 | $64,657▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,084 | $92,523▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,412▲ | $102,061 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 2,150▲ |
Verdict
Altoona, PA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Philadelphia.
The salary gap between Altoona and Philadelphia is $2,140 (2.75%). Altoona's median is +0.68% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $53,945,Philadelphia spans $51,877. Altoona 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, Altoona ($89,289 effective) pays 17.73% more than Philadelphia ($75,843 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,412)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,289)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Altoona grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$64,570 (2019) → $76,920 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$66,770 (2019) → $74,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Altoona or Philadelphia?
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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