Columbus vs Xenia: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Columbus, OH and Xenia, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Xenia, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,977▲ | $69,693 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.56▲ | $33.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,209 | $46,657▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,013▲ | $58,259 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,681▲ | $79,879 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,053▲ | $90,299 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Xenia.
The salary gap between Columbus and Xenia is $4,284 (6.15%). Columbus's median is -6.81% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $56,844,Xenia spans $43,642. Columbus 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, Columbus ($77,488 effective) pays 0.84% more than Xenia ($76,839 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,977/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,053)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,488)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Xenia if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Columbus grew 22.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Xenia over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$58,020 (2019) → $71,200 (2025)
Xenia, OH
$55,012 (2024) → $67,077 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Columbus or Xenia?
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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