Durham vs Matthews: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Durham, NC and Matthews, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Matthews, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,541▲ | $69,090 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.28▲ | $33.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,330▲ | $45,059 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,369▲ | $57,089 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,240▲ | $78,438 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,837▲ | $88,629 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Matthews.
The salary gap between Durham and Matthews is $8,451 (12.23%). Durham's median is -2.32% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $33,507,Matthews spans $43,570. Matthews has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($79,471 effective) pays 7.66% more than Matthews ($73,814 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,541/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,837)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,471)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Matthews if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Durham grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Matthews over the same period.
Durham, NC
$61,510 (2019) → $74,630 (2025)
Matthews, NC
$57,365 (2024) → $66,497 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Matthews, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Durham or Matthews?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Matthews?
Should I relocate from Durham to Matthews as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Durham vs Matthews?
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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