Chapel Hill vs Durham: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,189▲ | $77,541 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.59▲ | $37.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,443 | $62,330▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,625 | $67,369▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,836▲ | $85,240 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,545▲ | $95,837 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill, NC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Durham is $648 (0.84%). Chapel Hill's median is -1.50% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $61,102,Durham spans $33,507. Chapel Hill 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, Chapel Hill ($83,535 effective) pays 5.11% more than Durham ($79,471 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,189/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,545)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,535)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 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 Chapel Hill grew 29.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Durham over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$57,932 (2024) → $75,254 (2025)
Durham, NC
$61,510 (2019) → $74,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chapel Hill or Durham?
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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