Cincinnati vs Dayton: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,317 | $72,242▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.29 | $34.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,342 | $52,116▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,953 | $63,244▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,699▲ | $79,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,045▲ | $88,751 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Dayton are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $925 (1.30%). Dayton's median is -8.99% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $54,703,Dayton spans $36,635. Cincinnati 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, Dayton ($77,936 effective) pays 4.22% more than Cincinnati ($74,779 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,045)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,242/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,936)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Cincinnati grew 11.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$61,840 (2019) → $68,640 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$56,610 (2019) → $69,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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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