Chattanooga vs Smyrna: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,223 | $71,021▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.32 | $34.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,035 | $45,439▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,963 | $57,961▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,621 | $83,695▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,390 | $94,014▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Smyrna, TN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Smyrna is $3,798 (5.65%). Smyrna's median is -10.53% 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,Smyrna spans $48,575. Smyrna 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, Smyrna ($77,365 effective) pays 5.26% 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 Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,021/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,014)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,365)
- ✓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 Smyrna over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$49,170 (2019) → $64,700 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$55,674 (2024) → $68,355 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chattanooga or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Smyrna as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Chattanooga vs Smyrna?
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