Boulder vs Fort Collins: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Boulder, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,852▲ | $77,437 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.42▲ | $37.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,937 | $64,470▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,254▲ | $67,078 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,069▲ | $87,255 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,362▲ | $103,942 |
| Total Employed | 80 | N/A |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Boulder and Fort Collins is $415 (0.54%). Boulder's median is -1.92% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $65,425,Fort Collins spans $39,472. Boulder 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, Fort Collins ($76,573 effective) pays 3.47% more than Boulder ($74,002 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,852/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,362)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,573)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Boulder grew 48.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$50,560 (2019) → $74,930 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$62,340 (2019) → $74,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Boulder or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Fort Collins as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Boulder vs Fort Collins?
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