Catonsville vs Columbia: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Catonsville, MD and Columbia, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Catonsville, MD | Columbia, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,836▲ | $80,356 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.82▲ | $38.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,451▲ | $50,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,981▲ | $64,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,443▲ | $95,349 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,500 | $111,004▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 24▲ |
Verdict
Catonsville and Columbia are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Catonsville and Columbia is $2,480 (3.09%). Catonsville's median is +4.35% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Catonsville spans $52,049,Columbia spans $60,974. Columbia 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, Catonsville ($75,788 effective) pays 3.09% more than Columbia ($73,519 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Catonsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,836/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,788)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,004)
- ✓Larger job market (24 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Catonsville grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -7.0% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Catonsville, MD
$77,222 (2024) → $79,727 (2025)
Columbia, MD
$83,165 (2024) → $77,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Catonsville, MD
Columbia, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Catonsville or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Catonsville and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Catonsville to Columbia as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Catonsville vs Columbia?
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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