Lincoln vs Norfolk: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Lincoln, NE and Norfolk, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Norfolk, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,558▲ | $67,643 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.92▲ | $32.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,545▲ | $48,019 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,701▲ | $58,592 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,294▲ | $77,304 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,445 | $86,846▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Norfolk is $2,915 (4.31%). Lincoln's median is -11.11% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $34,900,Norfolk spans $38,827. Norfolk has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($77,044 effective) pays 4.22% more than Norfolk ($73,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,558/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,044)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,846)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Lincoln grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Norfolk over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$57,660 (2019) → $67,910 (2025)
Norfolk, NE
$52,833 (2024) → $65,104 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Norfolk, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Lincoln or Norfolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Norfolk?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Norfolk as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Lincoln vs Norfolk?
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