Jacksonville vs Jonesboro: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Jacksonville, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,483 | $69,928▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.93 | $33.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,450▲ | $45,070 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,954 | $57,316▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,580 | $82,546▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,857 | $95,711▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Jonesboro is $1,445 (2.11%). Jonesboro's median is -11.91% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $45,407,Jonesboro spans $50,641. Jonesboro 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, Jonesboro ($80,470 effective) pays 2.11% more than Jacksonville ($78,807 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,928/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,711)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,470)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Jacksonville grew 36.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Jacksonville, AR
$48,312 (2024) → $65,912 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$55,360 (2020) → $67,303 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Jacksonville or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Jonesboro as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Jacksonville vs Jonesboro?
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