Henderson vs Lexington: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Henderson, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Henderson, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,323 | $69,894▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.33 | $33.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,967▲ | $40,511 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,044▲ | $58,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,811 | $81,208▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,188▲ | $91,287 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Henderson.
The salary gap between Henderson and Lexington is $571 (0.82%). Lexington's median is -11.95% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Henderson spans $50,221,Lexington spans $50,776. Lexington 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, Henderson ($77,629 effective) pays 3.17% more than Lexington ($75,245 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Henderson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,188)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,629)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,894/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Henderson grew 27.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Henderson, KY
$52,399 (2024) → $66,721 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$61,260 (2019) → $67,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Henderson, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Henderson or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Henderson and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Henderson to Lexington as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Henderson vs Lexington?
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