Fairfax vs Roanoke: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Fairfax, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,615▲ | $72,501 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.35▲ | $34.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,447▲ | $50,381 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,147▲ | $61,675 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,810▲ | $80,928 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,103 | $98,913▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Fairfax and Roanoke are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Roanoke is $3,114 (4.30%). Fairfax's median is -4.74% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $45,656,Roanoke spans $48,532. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($77,443 effective) pays 5.70% more than Fairfax ($73,270 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,615/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,913)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,443)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fairfax grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$65,027 (2024) → $72,777 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$55,310 (2019) → $69,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Fairfax or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Fairfax to Roanoke as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Fairfax vs Roanoke?
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