Bentonville vs Little Rock: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Bentonville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,147▲ | $65,467 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.76▲ | $31.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,079 | $48,386▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,813▲ | $56,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,416 | $80,616▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,544 | $89,624▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Bentonville and Little Rock are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Little Rock is $2,680 (4.09%). Bentonville's median is -14.15% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $48,465,Little Rock spans $41,238. Bentonville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bentonville ($78,420 effective) pays 7.05% more than Little Rock ($73,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,147/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,420)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,624)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Bentonville grew 36.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$48,075 (2024) → $65,589 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$59,410 (2019) → $63,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Bentonville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Little Rock as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Bentonville vs Little Rock?
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