Dietitian Pay

Jackson vs Memphis: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Jackson, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jackson, TN
$60,906
$29.28/hr
Memphis, TN
$75,130
$36.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$60,906$75,130
Hourly Rate$29.28$36.12
Entry Level (P10)$32,749$56,511
25th Percentile$48,459$64,927
75th Percentile$72,740$87,047
Top Earner (P90)$87,047$98,061
Total Employed40210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($60,906) and Memphis ($75,130) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.JacksonMemphisMedian Salary$60,906$75,130Entry Level (P10)$32,749$56,511Top Earner (P90)$87,047$98,061US Median $79,380

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.

The salary gap between Jackson and Memphis is $14,224 (23.35%). Memphis's median is -5.35% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $54,298,Memphis spans $41,550. Jackson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$32,749
P25$48,459
Median$60,906
P75$72,740
P90 (Top)$87,047
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$56,511
P25$64,927
Median$75,130
P75$87,047
P90 (Top)$98,061

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($81,504 effective) pays 14.45% more than Jackson ($71,217 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $60,906
CoL Index: 85.522
Adjusted: $71,217
Memphis
Nominal: $75,130
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $81,504

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,130/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($98,061)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,504)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Jackson grew 11.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Jackson, TN

+11.6%

$52,540 (2019) → $58,620 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+22.3%

$59,130 (2019) → $72,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Jackson or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $75,130/year, compared to Jackson at $60,906/year — a difference of $14,224 (23.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Memphis?

Jackson dietitian and nutritionists earn $29.28/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $36.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Memphis as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $71,217, Memphis = $81,504), job availability (40 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Jackson vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $32,749 in Jackson and $56,511 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
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