Birmingham vs Madison: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Madison, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Madison, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,764▲ | $66,753 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.57▲ | $32.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,327▲ | $44,186 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,574▲ | $55,585 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,865▲ | $78,210 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,861▲ | $90,383 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Madison is $1,011 (1.51%). Birmingham's median is -14.63% 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,Madison spans $46,197. Madison 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, Madison ($75,942 effective) pays 2.70% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,764/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,861)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,942)
- ✓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 Madison over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$52,040 (2019) → $65,220 (2025)
Madison, AL
$49,707 (2024) → $64,247 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Madison, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Birmingham or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Madison?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Madison as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Birmingham vs Madison?
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