Columbia vs Lexington: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,735▲ | $66,813 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.01▲ | $32.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,581 | $43,346▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,147 | $54,903▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,725▲ | $74,980 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,726▲ | $83,559 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $3,922 (5.87%). Columbia's median is -10.89% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $61,145,Lexington spans $40,213. Columbia 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, Columbia ($75,522 effective) pays 3.43% more than Lexington ($73,020 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,735/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,726)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,522)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Columbia grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$54,780 (2019) → $68,080 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$51,856 (2024) → $64,305 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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