Caledonia vs Madison: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Caledonia, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Caledonia, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,764 | $78,185▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.43 | $37.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,223 | $65,997▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,365 | $68,242▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,693▲ | $85,603 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,587 | $102,144▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Caledonia.
The salary gap between Caledonia and Madison is $2,421 (3.20%). Madison's median is -1.51% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caledonia spans $54,364,Madison spans $36,147. Caledonia 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, Caledonia ($81,118 effective) pays 0.94% more than Madison ($80,365 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Caledonia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,118)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,144)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Caledonia grew 22.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Madison over the same period.
Caledonia, WI
$59,735 (2024) → $72,920 (2025)
Madison, WI
$60,630 (2019) → $75,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caledonia, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Caledonia or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Caledonia and Madison?
Should I relocate from Caledonia to Madison as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Caledonia 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