Johnson City vs Nashville: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Johnson City, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,886 | $77,000▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.05 | $37.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,048 | $55,597▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $30,609 | $67,036▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,170▲ | $81,780 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,848▲ | $89,624 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Nashville is $4,114 (5.64%). Nashville's median is -3.00% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $69,800,Nashville spans $34,027. Johnson City 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, Johnson City ($82,893 effective) pays 3.71% more than Nashville ($79,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,848)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,893)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,000/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Johnson City grew 11.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$62,690 (2019) → $70,150 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$57,650 (2019) → $74,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Johnson City or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Nashville as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Johnson City vs Nashville?
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