Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Independence, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,324 | $76,689▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.81 | $36.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,588▲ | $33,082 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,423▲ | $50,516 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,660 | $82,601▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,201 | $93,385▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County is $6,365 (9.05%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -3.39% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $46,613,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $60,303. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($82,396 effective) pays 4.63% more than Independence ($78,750 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,689/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,385)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,396)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Independence grew 27.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Independence, KY
$53,155 (2024) → $67,684 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$60,050 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Independence or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Independence to Louisville/Jefferson County as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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