Lafayette vs Metairie: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lafayette, LA and Metairie, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Metairie, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,665 | $76,310▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.56 | $36.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,004 | $45,711▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,415 | $64,623▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,883 | $89,158▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,058 | $108,117▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Metairie, LA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Metairie is $10,645 (16.21%). Metairie's median is -3.87% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $40,054,Metairie spans $62,406. Metairie 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, Metairie ($84,507 effective) pays 12.23% more than Lafayette ($75,296 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,310/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,117)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,507)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Lafayette grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.3% growth in Metairie over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$52,930 (2019) → $63,200 (2025)
Metairie, LA
$51,260 (2024) → $73,446 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Metairie, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lafayette or Metairie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Metairie?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Metairie as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lafayette vs Metairie?
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