Dietitian Pay

Kearny vs Newark: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Kearny, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kearny, NJ
$88,465
$42.53/hr
Newark, NJ
$90,204
$43.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKearny, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$88,465$90,204
Hourly Rate$42.53$43.37
Entry Level (P10)$62,096$52,318
25th Percentile$76,141$75,062
75th Percentile$100,098$110,141
Top Earner (P90)$118,054$131,394
Total Employed1161
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kearny ($88,465) and Newark ($90,204) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.KearnyNewarkMedian Salary$88,465$90,204Entry Level (P10)$62,096$52,318Top Earner (P90)$118,054$131,394US Median $79,380

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearny.

The salary gap between Kearny and Newark is $1,739 (1.97%). Newark's median is +13.64% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearny spans $55,958,Newark spans $79,076. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.

Kearny
P10 (Entry)$62,096
P25$76,141
Median$88,465
P75$100,098
P90 (Top)$118,054
Newark
P10 (Entry)$52,318
P25$75,062
Median$90,204
P75$110,141
P90 (Top)$131,394

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($78,302 effective) pays 1.97% more than Kearny ($76,793 effective).

Kearny
Nominal: $88,465
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $76,793
Newark
Nominal: $90,204
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $78,302

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kearny if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,204/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($131,394)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,302)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Kearny grew 0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.7% growth in Newark over the same period.

Kearny, NJ

+0.5%

$84,698 (2024) → $85,144 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+-5.7%

$92,066 (2024) → $86,818 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Kearny or Newark?

Newark has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $90,204/year, compared to Kearny at $88,465/year — a difference of $1,739 (1.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kearny and Newark?

Kearny dietitian and nutritionists earn $42.53/hr while Newark hygienists earn $43.37/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kearny to Newark as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kearny and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kearny = $76,793, Newark = $78,302), job availability (11 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Kearny vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $62,096 in Kearny and $52,318 in Newark. The Kearny 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