Cary vs Raleigh: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,567 | $71,909▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.41 | $34.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,539▲ | $42,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,906 | $64,231▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,887▲ | $78,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,171▲ | $90,258 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Raleigh is $342 (0.48%). Raleigh's median is -9.41% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $52,632,Raleigh spans $47,597. Cary 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, Cary ($76,460 effective) pays 4.37% more than Raleigh ($73,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,171)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,460)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,909/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Cary grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Cary, NC
$58,333 (2024) → $68,881 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$56,200 (2019) → $69,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Cary or Raleigh?
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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