Ann Arbor vs Sterling Heights: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Sterling Heights, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,408▲ | $71,421 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.81▲ | $34.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,677▲ | $43,660 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,041▲ | $56,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,720▲ | $82,434 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,858 | $102,426▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling Heights.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Sterling Heights is $987 (1.38%). 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,Sterling Heights spans $58,766. Sterling Heights has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sterling Heights ($76,632 effective) pays 6.76% more than Ann Arbor ($71,776 effective).
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 Sterling Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,426)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,632)
- ✓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 Sterling Heights over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$62,760 (2019) → $69,690 (2025)
Sterling Heights, MI
$60,898 (2024) → $68,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Ann Arbor or Sterling Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Sterling Heights?
Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Sterling Heights as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Ann Arbor vs Sterling Heights?
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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