Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,463▲ | $65,467 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.39▲ | $31.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,015 | $48,386▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,016▲ | $56,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,912 | $80,616▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,596▲ | $89,624 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $3,996 (6.10%). Fayetteville's median is -12.49% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $47,581,Little Rock spans $41,238. Fayetteville 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, Fayetteville ($79,934 effective) pays 9.11% more than Little Rock ($73,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,463/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,596)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,934)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fayetteville grew 9.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$61,110 (2019) → $66,856 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$59,410 (2019) → $63,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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