Newport News vs Richmond: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Newport News, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,819 | $81,977▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.37 | $39.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,101▲ | $46,558 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,040▲ | $64,324 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,702▲ | $89,957 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,346▲ | $102,591 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newport News.
The salary gap between Newport News and Richmond is $2,158 (2.70%). Richmond's median is +3.27% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $59,245,Richmond spans $56,033. Newport News 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, Richmond ($83,771 effective) pays 8.31% more than Newport News ($77,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,346)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,977/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,771)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Newport News grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$68,642 (2024) → $76,823 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$64,360 (2019) → $78,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Newport News or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newport News and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Newport News to Richmond as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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