Chesapeake vs Richmond: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,896 | $81,977▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.41 | $39.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,598▲ | $46,558 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,708▲ | $64,324 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,916▲ | $89,957 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,567▲ | $102,591 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Richmond is $2,081 (2.60%). Richmond's median is +3.27% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $69,969,Richmond spans $56,033. Chesapeake 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, Richmond ($83,771 effective) pays 8.21% more than Chesapeake ($77,419 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,567)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,977/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,771)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Chesapeake grew 9.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$70,428 (2024) → $76,897 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$64,360 (2019) → $78,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chesapeake or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Richmond as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Chesapeake vs Richmond?
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