Lancaster vs Philadelphia: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,906 | $77,780▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.12 | $37.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,295 | $50,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,116 | $64,657▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,333 | $92,523▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,341 | $102,061▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 2,150▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Philadelphia is $8,874 (12.88%). Philadelphia's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $55,046,Philadelphia spans $51,877. Lancaster 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, Philadelphia ($75,843 effective) pays 8.15% more than Lancaster ($70,128 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,780/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,061)
- ✓Larger job market (2,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,843)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Lancaster grew 15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$57,400 (2019) → $66,320 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$66,770 (2019) → $74,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lancaster or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Philadelphia as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lancaster vs Philadelphia?
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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