Lawrence vs South Bend: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lawrence, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,857 | $67,067▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.15 | $32.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,781 | $47,046▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,644 | $59,046▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,702▲ | $78,257 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,360▲ | $85,167 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 80▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and South Bend is $210 (0.31%). South Bend's median is -15.51% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $44,579,South Bend spans $38,121. Lawrence 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, Lawrence ($73,228 effective) pays 1.39% more than South Bend ($72,225 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,360)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,228)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,067/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Lawrence grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Lawrence, IN
$54,154 (2024) → $64,347 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$55,950 (2019) → $64,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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