Chattanooga vs Cleveland: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Cleveland, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Cleveland, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,223 | $68,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.32 | $32.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,035 | $47,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,963 | $58,344▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,621 | $81,032▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,390 | $92,900▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Cleveland, TN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Cleveland is $1,403 (2.09%). Cleveland's median is -13.55% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $48,355,Cleveland spans $45,708. Chattanooga 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, Cleveland ($74,756 effective) pays 1.71% more than Chattanooga ($73,497 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,626/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,900)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,756)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Chattanooga grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$49,170 (2019) → $64,700 (2025)
Cleveland, TN
$53,797 (2024) → $66,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Cleveland, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chattanooga or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Cleveland as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Chattanooga vs Cleveland?
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