Chapel Hill vs Raleigh: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,189▲ | $71,909 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.59▲ | $34.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,443▲ | $42,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,625 | $64,231▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,836▲ | $78,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,545▲ | $90,258 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill, NC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Raleigh is $6,280 (8.73%). 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,Raleigh spans $47,597. 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 14.03% 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 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 Raleigh if…
- ✓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 Chapel Hill grew 29.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$57,932 (2024) → $75,254 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$56,200 (2019) → $69,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chapel Hill or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chapel Hill and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Raleigh as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Chapel Hill vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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