Asheville vs Raleigh: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Asheville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,281▲ | $71,909 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.15▲ | $34.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,345▲ | $42,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,013▲ | $64,231 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,120▲ | $78,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,266▲ | $90,258 |
| Total Employed | 130 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Asheville, NC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Asheville and Raleigh is $5,372 (7.47%). Asheville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Asheville spans $30,921,Raleigh spans $47,597. Raleigh 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, Asheville ($80,079 effective) pays 9.31% more than Raleigh ($73,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,281/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,266)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,079)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Asheville grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$58,180 (2019) → $74,380 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$56,200 (2019) → $69,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Raleigh?
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Related Comparisons
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