Madison vs River Falls: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,185▲ | $73,673 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.59▲ | $35.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,997▲ | $47,817 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,242▲ | $63,218 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,603▲ | $85,197 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,144▲ | $96,206 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $4,512 (6.12%). 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,River Falls spans $48,389. River Falls 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 1.88% more than River Falls ($78,879 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 River Falls 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 River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$60,630 (2019) → $75,250 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$58,087 (2024) → $70,908 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Madison or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Madison vs River Falls?
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