Fort Collins vs Steamboat Springs: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,437▲ | $74,382 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.23▲ | $35.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,470▲ | $48,368 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,078▲ | $65,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,255▲ | $83,441 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,942▲ | $97,053 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 4 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs is $3,055 (4.11%). Fort Collins's median is -2.45% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $39,472,Steamboat Springs spans $48,685. Steamboat Springs 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, Fort Collins ($76,573 effective) pays 8.09% more than Steamboat Springs ($70,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,437/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,942)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,573)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (4 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fort Collins grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$62,340 (2019) → $74,530 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$71,289 (2024) → $71,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Fort Collins or Steamboat Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Fort Collins vs Steamboat Springs?
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