Charleston vs Tega Cay: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Charleston, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,535▲ | $65,260 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.24▲ | $31.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,560 | $45,510▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,083▲ | $55,779 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,728▲ | $73,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,794▲ | $82,490 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tega Cay.
The salary gap between Charleston and Tega Cay is $14,275 (21.87%). Charleston's median is +0.20% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $63,234,Tega Cay spans $36,980. Charleston 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, Charleston ($78,777 effective) pays 10.45% more than Tega Cay ($71,322 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,794)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,777)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Tega Cay if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Charleston grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Tega Cay over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$55,700 (2019) → $76,550 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$50,650 (2024) → $62,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Charleston or Tega Cay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Tega Cay?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Tega Cay as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Charleston vs Tega Cay?
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