Cape Coral vs Tampa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Cape Coral, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Coral, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,920▲ | $79,016 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.42▲ | $37.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,843 | $57,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,893 | $65,935▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,941 | $85,354▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,084▲ | $98,206 |
| Total Employed | 140 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Cape Coral, FL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Cape Coral and Tampa is $904 (1.14%). Cape Coral's median is +0.68% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Coral spans $52,241,Tampa spans $41,175. Cape Coral 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, Tampa ($78,319 effective) pays 0.30% more than Cape Coral ($78,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Coral if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,084)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,319)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Cape Coral grew 48.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Cape Coral, FL
$51,810 (2019) → $76,920 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$60,390 (2019) → $76,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Coral, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Cape Coral or Tampa?
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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