Fort Myers vs Tampa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Fort Myers, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Myers, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,716▲ | $79,016 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.81▲ | $37.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,215 | $57,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,879▲ | $65,935 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,159▲ | $85,354 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,343▲ | $98,206 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Fort Myers, FL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Fort Myers and Tampa is $1,700 (2.15%). Fort Myers's median is +1.68% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Myers spans $63,128,Tampa spans $41,175. Fort Myers 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 Myers ($80,075 effective) pays 2.24% more than Tampa ($78,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Myers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,716/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,343)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,075)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fort Myers grew 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Fort Myers, FL
$64,503 (2024) → $77,686 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$60,390 (2019) → $76,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Myers, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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