Louisville/Jefferson County vs Owensboro: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,689▲ | $71,466 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.87▲ | $34.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,082 | $45,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,516 | $58,097▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,601▲ | $82,318 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,385 | $94,409▲ |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Owensboro is $5,223 (7.31%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -3.39% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $60,303,Owensboro spans $48,988. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($82,396 effective) pays 2.96% more than Owensboro ($80,029 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,689/year)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,396)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,409)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.4% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$60,050 (2019) → $73,810 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$60,110 (2021) → $68,783 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Owensboro as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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