Fort Dodge vs Iowa City: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Fort Dodge, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Dodge, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,309▲ | $67,971 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.80▲ | $32.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,438 | $56,698▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,662▲ | $56,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,730 | $88,273▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,217 | $95,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Fort Dodge and Iowa City are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Dodge and Iowa City is $2,338 (3.44%). Fort Dodge's median is -11.43% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Dodge spans $39,779,Iowa City spans $38,547. Fort Dodge 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, Fort Dodge ($77,775 effective) pays 4.71% more than Iowa City ($74,278 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,309/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,775)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,245)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fort Dodge grew 27.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.9% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Fort Dodge, IA
$53,108 (2024) → $67,670 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$38,970 (2019) → $65,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Dodge, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Fort Dodge or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Dodge and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Fort Dodge to Iowa City as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Fort Dodge vs Iowa City?
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