Des Moines vs Marion: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,387 | $75,316▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.87 | $36.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,942 | $48,693▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,942 | $61,740▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,226 | $86,681▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,359 | $98,263▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Marion, IA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marion is $6,929 (10.13%). Marion's median is -5.12% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $56,417,Marion spans $49,570. Des Moines 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, Marion ($83,314 effective) pays 11.72% more than Des Moines ($74,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marion if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,316/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,263)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,314)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Des Moines grew 7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Marion over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$61,230 (2019) → $65,820 (2025)
Marion, IA
$56,890 (2024) → $72,489 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marion, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Des Moines or Marion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Marion?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Marion as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Des Moines vs Marion?
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