Kearney vs Lincoln: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Kearney, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,943 | $70,558▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.62 | $33.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,348 | $51,545▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,811 | $63,701▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,364▲ | $80,294 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,936▲ | $86,445 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $615 (0.88%). Lincoln's median is -11.11% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $44,588,Lincoln spans $34,900. Kearney 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, Lincoln ($77,044 effective) pays 0.79% more than Kearney ($76,440 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,936)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,558/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,044)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Kearney grew 23.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$54,630 (2024) → $67,318 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$57,660 (2019) → $67,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
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