Dietitian Pay

Houston vs Midland: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Houston, TX and Midland, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$80,190
$38.55/hr
Midland, TX
$73,545
$35.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXMidland, TX
Median Salary$80,190$73,545
Hourly Rate$38.55$35.36
Entry Level (P10)$35,648$47,819
25th Percentile$62,693$60,931
75th Percentile$87,868$87,324
Top Earner (P90)$104,108$102,074
Total Employed1,34027
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($80,190) and Midland ($73,545) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.HoustonMidlandMedian Salary$80,190$73,545Entry Level (P10)$35,648$47,819Top Earner (P90)$104,108$102,074US Median $79,380

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Midland.

The salary gap between Houston and Midland is $6,645 (9.04%). Houston's median is +1.02% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $68,460,Midland spans $54,255. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$35,648
P25$62,693
Median$80,190
P75$87,868
P90 (Top)$104,108
Midland
P10 (Entry)$47,819
P25$60,931
Median$73,545
P75$87,324
P90 (Top)$102,074

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($81,305 effective) pays 6.13% more than Midland ($76,609 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $80,190
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $81,305
Midland
Nominal: $73,545
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $76,609

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,190/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,108)
  • Larger job market (1,340 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,305)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Midland if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Houston grew 30.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Midland over the same period.

Houston, TX

+30.5%

$59,160 (2019) → $77,180 (2025)

Midland, TX

+11.9%

$63,238 (2024) → $70,784 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Houston or Midland?

Houston has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $80,190/year, compared to Midland at $73,545/year — a difference of $6,645 (9.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Midland?

Houston dietitian and nutritionists earn $38.55/hr while Midland hygienists earn $35.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Midland as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Midland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $81,305, Midland = $76,609), job availability (1,340 vs 27 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Houston vs Midland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $35,648 in Houston and $47,819 in Midland. The Midland area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

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