Palm Bay vs Tampa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Palm Bay, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Palm Bay, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,317 | $79,016▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.21 | $37.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,708 | $57,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,285 | $65,935▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,255 | $85,354▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,801 | $98,206▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Palm Bay.
The salary gap between Palm Bay and Tampa is $3,699 (4.91%). Tampa's median is -0.46% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palm Bay spans $41,093,Tampa spans $41,175. Tampa 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, Tampa ($78,319 effective) pays 3.99% more than Palm Bay ($75,313 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,206)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,319)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Palm Bay grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Palm Bay, FL
$63,160 (2019) → $72,490 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$60,390 (2019) → $76,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Palm Bay or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Palm Bay and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Palm Bay to Tampa 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