Cleveland vs Dayton: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,018▲ | $72,242 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.59▲ | $34.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,277 | $52,116▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,314▲ | $63,244 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,655▲ | $79,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,061▲ | $88,751 |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $1,776 (2.46%). Cleveland's median is -6.75% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $59,784,Dayton spans $36,635. Cleveland 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 ($78,807 effective) pays 1.12% more than Dayton ($77,936 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,018/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,061)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,807)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Cleveland grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$58,230 (2019) → $71,240 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$56,610 (2019) → $69,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Cleveland 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