Gilbert vs Mesa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Gilbert, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gilbert, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,170▲ | $66,608 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.55▲ | $32.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,767▲ | $43,038 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,152▲ | $54,934 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,353▲ | $78,316 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,546▲ | $91,518 |
| Total Employed | 49 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Gilbert, AZ offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Gilbert and Mesa is $13,562 (20.36%). Gilbert's median is +1.00% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gilbert spans $63,779,Mesa spans $48,480. Gilbert 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, Gilbert ($81,391 effective) pays 20.36% more than Mesa ($67,622 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gilbert if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,170/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,546)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,391)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Gilbert grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.9% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Gilbert, AZ
$68,678 (2024) → $77,161 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$71,988 (2024) → $64,108 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gilbert, AZ
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