Gardner vs Wichita: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Gardner, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,913 | $67,764▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.17 | $32.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,310 | $52,033▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,608 | $65,634▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,559 | $83,276▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,669 | $97,593▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gardner.
The salary gap between Gardner and Wichita is $851 (1.27%). Wichita's median is -14.63% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $40,359,Wichita spans $45,560. Wichita 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, Wichita ($76,186 effective) pays 3.50% more than Gardner ($73,612 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,764/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,593)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,186)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Gardner grew 27.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$50,577 (2024) → $64,401 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$59,710 (2019) → $65,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Gardner or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gardner and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Gardner to Wichita as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Gardner vs Wichita?
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