Lexington vs Murray: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lexington, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Murray, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,894▲ | $66,300 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.60▲ | $31.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,511 | $47,833▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,652▲ | $57,777 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,208▲ | $76,095 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,287▲ | $85,649 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Lexington and Murray is $3,594 (5.42%). Lexington's median is -11.95% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $50,776,Murray spans $37,816. Lexington 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, Lexington ($75,245 effective) pays 1.35% more than Murray ($74,244 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,894/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,287)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,245)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Murray if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Lexington grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Murray over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$61,260 (2019) → $67,270 (2025)
Murray, KY
$50,113 (2024) → $63,811 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Murray, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lexington or Murray?
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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