Kirkwood vs Springfield: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Kirkwood, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkwood, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,706 | $65,945▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.59 | $31.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,495▲ | $39,066 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,561 | $54,703▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,273 | $77,073▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,041 | $89,479▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.
The salary gap between Kirkwood and Springfield is $239 (0.36%). Springfield's median is -16.92% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkwood spans $43,546,Springfield spans $50,413. Springfield 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, Springfield ($74,443 effective) pays 1.51% more than Kirkwood ($73,333 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,945/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,479)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,443)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Kirkwood grew 14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Kirkwood, MO
$55,095 (2024) → $63,240 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$50,910 (2019) → $63,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkwood, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Kirkwood or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkwood and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Kirkwood to Springfield as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Kirkwood vs Springfield?
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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