Dubuque vs Iowa City: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Dubuque, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dubuque, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,506▲ | $67,971 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.26▲ | $32.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,648 | $56,698▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,357▲ | $56,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,352▲ | $88,273 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,551▲ | $95,245 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Dubuque, IA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Dubuque and Iowa City is $9,535 (14.03%). Dubuque's median is -2.36% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dubuque spans $55,903,Iowa City spans $38,547. Dubuque 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, Dubuque ($85,737 effective) pays 15.43% more than Iowa City ($74,278 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,506/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,551)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,737)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Dubuque grew 23.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 67.9% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Dubuque, IA
$60,530 (2022) → $74,597 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$38,970 (2019) → $65,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dubuque, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Dubuque or Iowa City?
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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