Birmingham vs Decatur: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Decatur, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Decatur, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,764 | $68,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.57 | $32.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,327▲ | $42,821 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,574▲ | $55,233 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,865▲ | $80,033 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,861 | $92,059▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Decatur, AL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Decatur is $827 (1.22%). Decatur's median is -13.59% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $35,534,Decatur spans $49,238. Decatur 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, Decatur ($78,033 effective) pays 5.53% more than Birmingham ($73,943 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,591/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,059)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,033)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Birmingham grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$52,040 (2019) → $65,220 (2025)
Decatur, AL
$51,076 (2024) → $66,016 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Decatur, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Birmingham or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Decatur as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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