Lafayette vs Zachary: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lafayette, LA and Zachary, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Zachary, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,665 | $69,458▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.56 | $33.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,004 | $49,374▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,415▲ | $60,048 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,883 | $76,754▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,058 | $91,213▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Zachary, LA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Zachary is $3,793 (5.78%). Zachary's median is -12.50% 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,Zachary spans $41,839. Zachary 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, Zachary ($76,919 effective) pays 2.16% 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 Zachary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,213)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,919)
- ✓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 42.1% growth in Zachary over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$52,930 (2019) → $63,200 (2025)
Zachary, LA
$47,030 (2024) → $66,851 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Zachary, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lafayette or Zachary?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Zachary?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Zachary as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lafayette vs Zachary?
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