Bear vs Dover: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Bear, DE and Dover, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,611 | $68,883▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.02 | $33.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,165▲ | $43,433 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,945 | $59,798▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,575 | $78,514▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,696 | $88,533▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 7▲ |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Dover is $2,272 (3.41%). Dover's median is -13.22% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $37,531,Dover spans $45,100. Dover 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, Dover ($67,732 effective) pays 3.41% more than Bear ($65,498 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,883/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,533)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,732)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Bear grew -3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Dover over the same period.
Bear, DE
$66,273 (2024) → $64,111 (2025)
Dover, DE
$58,560 (2022) → $66,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Bear or Dover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Dover?
Should I relocate from Bear to Dover as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Bear vs Dover?
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