New Orleans vs Ruston: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between New Orleans, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,034▲ | $71,817 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.55▲ | $34.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,602▲ | $49,125 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,785▲ | $60,629 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,962▲ | $82,114 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,575▲ | $92,269 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 4 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Ruston is $4,217 (5.87%). New Orleans's median is -4.22% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Orleans spans $38,973,Ruston spans $43,144. Ruston 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, New Orleans ($82,113 effective) pays 3.25% more than Ruston ($79,532 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,034/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,575)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,113)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in New Orleans grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Ruston over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$55,000 (2019) → $73,180 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$48,627 (2024) → $69,121 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: New Orleans or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Ruston?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Ruston as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in New Orleans vs Ruston?
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