Dietitian Pay

Ann Arbor vs Southfield: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Southfield, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$72,408
$34.81/hr
Southfield, MI
$69,769
$33.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MISouthfield, MI
Median Salary$72,408$69,769
Hourly Rate$34.81$33.54
Entry Level (P10)$52,677$43,048
25th Percentile$65,041$55,799
75th Percentile$84,720$83,658
Top Earner (P90)$91,858$97,391
Total Employed22019
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($72,408) and Southfield ($69,769) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.Ann ArborSouthfieldMedian Salary$72,408$69,769Entry Level (P10)$52,677$43,048Top Earner (P90)$91,858$97,391US Median $79,380

Verdict

Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Southfield.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Southfield is $2,639 (3.78%). Ann Arbor's median is -8.78% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $39,181,Southfield spans $54,343. Southfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$52,677
P25$65,041
Median$72,408
P75$84,720
P90 (Top)$91,858
Southfield
P10 (Entry)$43,048
P25$55,799
Median$69,769
P75$83,658
P90 (Top)$97,391

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Southfield ($74,859 effective) pays 4.30% more than Ann Arbor ($71,776 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $72,408
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $71,776
Southfield
Nominal: $69,769
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $74,859

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,408/year)
  • Larger job market (220 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Southfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($97,391)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,859)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Ann Arbor grew 11.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Southfield over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+11.0%

$62,760 (2019) → $69,690 (2025)

Southfield, MI

+12.9%

$59,489 (2024) → $67,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Ann Arbor or Southfield?

Ann Arbor has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $72,408/year, compared to Southfield at $69,769/year — a difference of $2,639 (3.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Southfield?

Ann Arbor dietitian and nutritionists earn $34.81/hr while Southfield hygienists earn $33.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Southfield as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Southfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $71,776, Southfield = $74,859), job availability (220 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Ann Arbor vs Southfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $52,677 in Ann Arbor and $43,048 in Southfield. The Ann Arbor area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

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