Madison vs Mequon: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Madison, WI and Mequon, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Mequon, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,185▲ | $73,068 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.59▲ | $35.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,997▲ | $52,299 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,242▲ | $63,602 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,603▲ | $81,096 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,144▲ | $89,920 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mequon.
The salary gap between Madison and Mequon is $5,117 (7.00%). Madison's median is -1.51% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $36,147,Mequon spans $37,621. Mequon 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, Madison ($80,365 effective) pays 2.73% more than Mequon ($78,231 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,144)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,365)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Mequon if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Madison grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Mequon over the same period.
Madison, WI
$60,630 (2019) → $75,250 (2025)
Mequon, WI
$57,609 (2024) → $70,325 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Mequon, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Madison or Mequon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Mequon?
Should I relocate from Madison to Mequon as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Madison vs Mequon?
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