El Paso vs Houston: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between El Paso, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,826 | $80,190▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.38 | $38.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,223▲ | $35,648 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,984▲ | $62,693 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,123 | $87,868▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,206 | $104,108▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 1,340▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between El Paso and Houston is $364 (0.46%). 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 El Paso spans $42,983,Houston spans $68,460. Houston 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, El Paso ($88,782 effective) pays 9.20% more than Houston ($81,305 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,782)
- ✓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)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in El Paso grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Houston over the same period.
El Paso, TX
$63,540 (2019) → $76,830 (2025)
Houston, TX
$59,160 (2019) → $77,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: El Paso or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Paso and Houston?
Should I relocate from El Paso to Houston as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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