Cedar Rapids vs Ottumwa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,133▲ | $71,265 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.57▲ | $34.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,961▲ | $50,785 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,189▲ | $61,645 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,925▲ | $81,364 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,159▲ | $91,368 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa is $6,868 (9.64%). Cedar Rapids's median is -1.57% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $32,198,Ottumwa spans $40,583. Ottumwa 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, Cedar Rapids ($87,826 effective) pays 11.41% more than Ottumwa ($78,833 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,133/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,159)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,826)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$58,020 (2019) → $75,200 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$53,830 (2024) → $68,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Cedar Rapids or Ottumwa?
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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