Newark vs Wilmington: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Newark, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,061 | $79,108▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.21 | $38.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,925 | $50,116▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,502 | $64,188▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,829 | $91,121▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,289 | $104,099▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Newark and Wilmington is $10,047 (14.55%). Wilmington's median is -0.34% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $43,364,Wilmington spans $53,983. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($77,786 effective) pays 14.55% more than Newark ($67,907 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,108/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,099)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,786)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Newark grew -3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Newark, DE
$68,710 (2024) → $66,469 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$69,634 (2024) → $76,139 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Newark or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Newark to Wilmington as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Newark vs Wilmington?
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