Lake Oswego vs Portland: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lake Oswego, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Oswego, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,724 | $89,209▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.33 | $42.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,026 | $68,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,910 | $75,515▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,294 | $104,066▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,556 | $110,653▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Oswego.
The salary gap between Lake Oswego and Portland is $9,485 (11.90%). Portland's median is +12.38% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Oswego spans $52,530,Portland spans $42,256. Lake Oswego 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, Portland ($84,622 effective) pays 8.90% more than Lake Oswego ($77,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Oswego if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,209/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,653)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,622)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Lake Oswego grew 0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Portland over the same period.
Lake Oswego, OR
$76,330 (2024) → $76,731 (2025)
Portland, OR
$72,340 (2019) → $85,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Oswego, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lake Oswego or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Oswego and Portland?
Should I relocate from Lake Oswego to Portland as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lake Oswego vs Portland?
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