Chattanooga vs Kingsport: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Kingsport, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Kingsport, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,223▲ | $66,922 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.32▲ | $32.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,035 | $38,807▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,963 | $56,667▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,621 | $76,325▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,390 | $89,562▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingsport.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Kingsport is $301 (0.45%). Chattanooga's median is -15.31% 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,Kingsport spans $50,755. Kingsport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kingsport ($77,414 effective) pays 5.33% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,223/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Kingsport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,562)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,414)
- ✓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 71.2% growth in Kingsport over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$49,170 (2019) → $64,700 (2025)
Kingsport, TN
$37,630 (2019) → $64,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Kingsport, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chattanooga or Kingsport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Kingsport?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Kingsport as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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