Madison vs Sun Prairie: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Madison, WI and Sun Prairie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Sun Prairie, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,185▲ | $75,970 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.59▲ | $36.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,997▲ | $47,691 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,242▲ | $65,794 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,603 | $89,294▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,144▲ | $102,076 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sun Prairie.
The salary gap between Madison and Sun Prairie is $2,215 (2.92%). 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,Sun Prairie spans $54,385. Sun Prairie 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, Sun Prairie ($81,338 effective) pays 1.21% more than Madison ($80,365 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)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Sun Prairie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,338)
- ✓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 Sun Prairie over the same period.
Madison, WI
$60,630 (2019) → $75,250 (2025)
Sun Prairie, WI
$59,898 (2024) → $73,118 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Sun Prairie, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Madison or Sun Prairie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Sun Prairie?
Should I relocate from Madison to Sun Prairie as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Madison vs Sun Prairie?
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