Hutchinson vs Topeka: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Hutchinson, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hutchinson, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,589 | $74,361▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.93 | $35.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,506 | $63,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,150 | $65,176▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,258 | $82,954▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,952▲ | $86,757 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hutchinson.
The salary gap between Hutchinson and Topeka is $3,772 (5.34%). Topeka's median is -6.32% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hutchinson spans $47,446,Topeka spans $23,700. Hutchinson 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, Topeka ($83,721 effective) pays 7.81% more than Hutchinson ($77,656 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hutchinson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,952)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,361/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,721)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Hutchinson grew 27.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Hutchinson, KS
$53,355 (2024) → $67,939 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$56,480 (2019) → $71,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hutchinson, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Hutchinson or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hutchinson and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Hutchinson to Topeka as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Hutchinson vs Topeka?
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