Houma vs Lafayette: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Houma, LA and Lafayette, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houma, LA | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,260▲ | $65,665 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.74▲ | $31.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,512▲ | $43,004 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,208▲ | $61,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,750▲ | $73,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,225▲ | $83,058 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Houma, LA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Houma and Lafayette is $6,595 (10.04%). Houma's median is -8.97% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $41,713,Lafayette spans $40,054. Houma 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, Houma ($80,022 effective) pays 6.28% more than Lafayette ($75,296 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,225)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,022)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Houma grew 35.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Houma, LA
$51,380 (2019) → $69,548 (2025)
Lafayette, LA
$52,930 (2019) → $63,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Houma or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Houma to Lafayette as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Houma vs Lafayette?
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