Memphis vs Oak Ridge: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Memphis, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,130▲ | $68,937 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.12▲ | $33.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,511▲ | $44,095 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,927▲ | $56,323 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,047▲ | $79,130 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,061▲ | $94,102 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Memphis and Oak Ridge is $6,193 (8.98%). Memphis's median is -5.35% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $41,550,Oak Ridge spans $50,007. Oak Ridge 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, Memphis ($81,504 effective) pays 8.54% more than Oak Ridge ($75,095 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,130/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,061)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,504)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Memphis grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$59,130 (2019) → $72,310 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$54,041 (2024) → $66,349 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Memphis or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Oak Ridge as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Memphis vs Oak Ridge?
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