Dietitian Pay

Baton Rouge vs Monroe: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Monroe, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baton Rouge, LA
$73,707
$35.43/hr
Monroe, LA
$76,315
$36.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaton Rouge, LAMonroe, LA
Median Salary$73,707$76,315
Hourly Rate$35.43$36.69
Entry Level (P10)$54,007$41,009
25th Percentile$65,956$64,200
75th Percentile$86,403$82,123
Top Earner (P90)$91,941$89,624
Total Employed14040
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baton Rouge ($73,707) and Monroe ($76,315) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.Baton RougeMonroeMedian Salary$73,707$76,315Entry Level (P10)$54,007$41,009Top Earner (P90)$91,941$89,624US Median $79,380

Verdict

Baton Rouge and Monroe are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Monroe is $2,608 (3.54%). Monroe's median is -3.86% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $37,934,Monroe spans $48,615. Monroe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.

Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$54,007
P25$65,956
Median$73,707
P75$86,403
P90 (Top)$91,941
Monroe
P10 (Entry)$41,009
P25$64,200
Median$76,315
P75$82,123
P90 (Top)$89,624

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Monroe ($91,289 effective) pays 12.43% more than Baton Rouge ($81,193 effective).

Baton Rouge
Nominal: $73,707
CoL Index: 90.78
Adjusted: $81,193
Monroe
Nominal: $76,315
CoL Index: 83.597
Adjusted: $91,289

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baton Rouge if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($91,941)
  • Larger job market (140 employed)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Monroe if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,315/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,289)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Baton Rouge grew 24.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 57.1% growth in Monroe over the same period.

Baton Rouge, LA

+24.2%

$57,100 (2019) → $70,940 (2025)

Monroe, LA

+57.1%

$46,760 (2019) → $73,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Baton Rouge or Monroe?

Monroe has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $76,315/year, compared to Baton Rouge at $73,707/year — a difference of $2,608 (3.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Monroe?

Baton Rouge dietitian and nutritionists earn $35.43/hr while Monroe hygienists earn $36.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Monroe as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baton Rouge and Monroe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baton Rouge = $81,193, Monroe = $91,289), job availability (140 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Baton Rouge vs Monroe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $54,007 in Baton Rouge and $41,009 in Monroe. The Baton Rouge area offers higher starting salaries.
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