Dietitian Pay

Morgantown vs Parkersburg: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Morgantown, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Morgantown, WV
$80,751
$38.82/hr
Parkersburg, WV
$66,569
$32.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMorgantown, WVParkersburg, WV
Median Salary$80,751$66,569
Hourly Rate$38.82$32.00
Entry Level (P10)$49,986$46,753
25th Percentile$66,714$57,470
75th Percentile$94,913$77,967
Top Earner (P90)$99,848$89,320
Total Employed805
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Morgantown ($80,751) and Parkersburg ($66,569) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.MorgantownParkersburgMedian Salary$80,751$66,569Entry Level (P10)$49,986$46,753Top Earner (P90)$99,848$89,320US Median $79,380

Verdict

Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Parkersburg.

The salary gap between Morgantown and Parkersburg is $14,182 (21.30%). Morgantown's median is +1.73% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $49,862,Parkersburg spans $42,567. Morgantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$49,986
P25$66,714
Median$80,751
P75$94,913
P90 (Top)$99,848
Parkersburg
P10 (Entry)$46,753
P25$57,470
Median$66,569
P75$77,967
P90 (Top)$89,320

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($86,529 effective) pays 12.44% more than Parkersburg ($76,958 effective).

Morgantown
Nominal: $80,751
CoL Index: 93.323
Adjusted: $86,529
Parkersburg
Nominal: $66,569
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $76,958

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Morgantown if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,751/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($99,848)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,529)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Parkersburg if…

  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Morgantown grew 37.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.5% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.

Morgantown, WV

+37.9%

$56,370 (2019) → $77,720 (2025)

Parkersburg, WV

+41.5%

$45,285 (2024) → $64,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Morgantown or Parkersburg?

Morgantown has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $80,751/year, compared to Parkersburg at $66,569/year — a difference of $14,182 (21.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Parkersburg?

Morgantown dietitian and nutritionists earn $38.82/hr while Parkersburg hygienists earn $32.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Morgantown to Parkersburg as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Morgantown and Parkersburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Morgantown = $86,529, Parkersburg = $76,958), job availability (80 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Morgantown vs Parkersburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $49,986 in Morgantown and $46,753 in Parkersburg. The Morgantown area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

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