Mesa vs Peoria: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Peoria, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Peoria, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,608 | $79,908▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.02 | $38.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,038 | $48,978▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,934 | $63,705▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,316 | $92,455▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,518 | $114,558▲ |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Peoria, AZ offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Mesa and Peoria is $13,300 (19.97%). Peoria's median is +0.67% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $48,480,Peoria spans $65,580. Peoria 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, Peoria ($81,125 effective) pays 19.97% more than Mesa ($67,622 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,908/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,558)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,125)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Mesa grew -10.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$71,988 (2024) → $64,108 (2025)
Peoria, AZ
$68,453 (2024) → $76,909 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Mesa or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Peoria as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Mesa vs Peoria?
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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