Lexington vs Owensboro: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lexington, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,894 | $71,466▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.60 | $34.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,511 | $45,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,652▲ | $58,097 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,208 | $82,318▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,287 | $94,409▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Owensboro, KY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Owensboro is $1,572 (2.25%). Owensboro's median is -9.97% 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,Owensboro spans $48,988. 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, Owensboro ($80,029 effective) pays 6.36% more than Lexington ($75,245 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,466/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,409)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,029)
- ✓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 14.4% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$61,260 (2019) → $67,270 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$60,110 (2021) → $68,783 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lexington or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Owensboro as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lexington vs Owensboro?
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