Dietitian Pay

DeSoto vs Houston: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between DeSoto, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

DeSoto, TX
$73,863
$35.51/hr
Houston, TX
$80,190
$38.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDeSoto, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$73,863$80,190
Hourly Rate$35.51$38.55
Entry Level (P10)$46,178$35,648
25th Percentile$59,527$62,693
75th Percentile$84,618$87,868
Top Earner (P90)$103,909$104,108
Total Employed91,340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing DeSoto ($73,863) and Houston ($80,190) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.DeSotoHoustonMedian Salary$73,863$80,190Entry Level (P10)$46,178$35,648Top Earner (P90)$103,909$104,108US Median $79,380

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to DeSoto.

The salary gap between DeSoto and Houston is $6,327 (8.57%). Houston's median is +1.02% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeSoto spans $57,731,Houston spans $68,460. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.

DeSoto
P10 (Entry)$46,178
P25$59,527
Median$73,863
P75$84,618
P90 (Top)$103,909
Houston
P10 (Entry)$35,648
P25$62,693
Median$80,190
P75$87,868
P90 (Top)$104,108

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($81,305 effective) pays 5.67% more than DeSoto ($76,941 effective).

DeSoto
Nominal: $73,863
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $76,941
Houston
Nominal: $80,190
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $81,305

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose DeSoto if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,190/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,108)
  • Larger job market (1,340 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,305)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in DeSoto grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Houston over the same period.

DeSoto, TX

+11.9%

$63,512 (2024) → $71,090 (2025)

Houston, TX

+30.5%

$59,160 (2019) → $77,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: DeSoto or Houston?

Houston has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $80,190/year, compared to DeSoto at $73,863/year — a difference of $6,327 (8.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between DeSoto and Houston?

DeSoto dietitian and nutritionists earn $35.51/hr while Houston hygienists earn $38.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from DeSoto to Houston as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing DeSoto and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: DeSoto = $76,941, Houston = $81,305), job availability (9 vs 1,340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in DeSoto vs Houston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $46,178 in DeSoto and $35,648 in Houston. The DeSoto area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

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