Lafayette vs Shreveport: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lafayette, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,665 | $75,660▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.56 | $36.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,004 | $61,613▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,415 | $66,891▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,883 | $85,582▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,058 | $99,848▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Shreveport is $9,995 (15.22%). Shreveport's median is -4.69% 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,Shreveport spans $38,235. Lafayette 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, Shreveport ($89,257 effective) pays 18.54% 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 Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,660/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,848)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,257)
- ✓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 23.3% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$52,930 (2019) → $63,200 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$59,060 (2019) → $72,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lafayette or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Shreveport as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lafayette vs Shreveport?
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