Mesa vs Sierra Vista: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Sierra Vista, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Sierra Vista, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,608 | $74,803▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.02 | $35.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,038 | $50,908▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,934 | $63,376▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,316 | $86,444▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,518 | $98,453▲ |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Sierra Vista, AZ offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Mesa and Sierra Vista is $8,195 (12.30%). Sierra Vista's median is -5.77% 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,Sierra Vista spans $47,545. Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sierra Vista ($75,942 effective) pays 12.30% 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 Sierra Vista if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,803/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,453)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,942)
- ✓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 Sierra Vista over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$71,988 (2024) → $64,108 (2025)
Sierra Vista, AZ
$64,079 (2024) → $71,995 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sierra Vista, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Mesa or Sierra Vista?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Sierra Vista?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Sierra Vista as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Mesa vs Sierra Vista?
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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