Gastonia vs Raleigh: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Gastonia, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gastonia, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,192▲ | $71,909 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.64▲ | $34.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,605▲ | $42,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,882 | $64,231▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,764▲ | $78,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,030▲ | $90,258 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Gastonia, NC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Gastonia and Raleigh is $4,283 (5.96%). Gastonia's median is -4.02% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gastonia spans $52,425,Raleigh spans $47,597. Gastonia 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, Gastonia ($81,402 effective) pays 11.11% more than Raleigh ($73,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gastonia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,192/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,030)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,402)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Gastonia grew 30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Gastonia, NC
$56,227 (2024) → $73,332 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$56,200 (2019) → $69,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gastonia, NC
Raleigh, NC
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