Charlottesville vs Roanoke: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,689▲ | $72,501 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.87▲ | $34.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,267 | $50,381▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,270 | $61,675▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,733▲ | $80,928 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,183 | $98,913▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville and Roanoke are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Roanoke is $4,188 (5.78%). Charlottesville's median is -3.39% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $52,916,Roanoke spans $48,532. Charlottesville 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, Roanoke ($77,443 effective) pays 0.12% more than Charlottesville ($77,350 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,689/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,913)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,443)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Charlottesville grew 21.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$60,580 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$55,310 (2019) → $69,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Charlottesville or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Roanoke as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Charlottesville vs Roanoke?
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