Louisville vs Paducah: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Louisville, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,283▲ | $67,376 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.15▲ | $32.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,658▲ | $45,426 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,508▲ | $56,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,167▲ | $78,804 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,509▲ | $90,226 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville and Paducah is $9,907 (14.70%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $62,851,Paducah spans $44,800. Louisville 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 ($86,543 effective) pays 14.70% more than Paducah ($75,449 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,283/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,509)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,543)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Louisville grew 27.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$58,415 (2024) → $74,382 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$56,100 (2024) → $64,847 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Louisville or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville to Paducah as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Louisville 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