Houston vs Richardson: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Houston, TX and Richardson, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Richardson, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,190▲ | $74,598 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.55▲ | $35.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,648 | $44,609▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,693 | $63,060▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,868▲ | $87,099 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,108▲ | $100,664 |
| Total Employed | 1,340▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richardson.
The salary gap between Houston and Richardson is $5,592 (7.50%). 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,Richardson spans $56,055. Houston 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, Houston ($81,305 effective) pays 4.63% more than Richardson ($77,706 effective).
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 Richardson 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 Richardson over the same period.
Houston, TX
$59,160 (2019) → $77,180 (2025)
Richardson, TX
$64,145 (2024) → $71,798 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Richardson, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Houston or Richardson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Richardson?
Should I relocate from Houston to Richardson as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Houston vs Richardson?
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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