Centennial vs Fort Collins: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Centennial, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Centennial, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,670▲ | $77,437 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.82▲ | $37.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,884 | $64,470▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,464 | $67,078▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,640▲ | $87,255 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,552▲ | $103,942 |
| Total Employed | 16 | N/A |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Centennial and Fort Collins is $1,233 (1.59%). Centennial's median is -0.89% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Centennial spans $64,668,Fort Collins spans $39,472. Centennial 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, Fort Collins ($76,573 effective) pays 2.20% more than Centennial ($74,924 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,670/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,552)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,573)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Centennial grew -1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Centennial, CO
$77,055 (2024) → $75,717 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$62,340 (2019) → $74,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Centennial, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Centennial or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Centennial and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Centennial to Fort Collins as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Centennial vs Fort Collins?
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