Lexington vs Paducah: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,894▲ | $67,376 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.60▲ | $32.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,511 | $45,426▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,652▲ | $56,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,208▲ | $78,804 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,287▲ | $90,226 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $2,518 (3.74%). 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,Paducah spans $44,800. 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, Paducah ($75,449 effective) pays 0.27% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,894/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,287)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,449)
- ✓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 15.6% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$61,260 (2019) → $67,270 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$56,100 (2024) → $64,847 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
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