Biddeford vs Portland: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Biddeford, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Biddeford, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,803▲ | $67,130 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.96▲ | $32.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,069▲ | $36,739 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,624▲ | $46,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,094 | $121,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,787 | $134,218▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Biddeford and Portland are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Biddeford and Portland is $7,673 (11.43%). Biddeford's median is -5.77% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Biddeford spans $44,718,Portland spans $97,479. Portland 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, Biddeford ($75,103 effective) pays 13.96% more than Portland ($65,905 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Biddeford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,803/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,103)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,218)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Biddeford grew 15.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Biddeford, ME
$62,195 (2024) → $71,995 (2025)
Portland, ME
$58,330 (2019) → $64,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Biddeford, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Biddeford or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Biddeford and Portland?
Should I relocate from Biddeford to Portland as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Biddeford vs Portland?
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