Portsmouth vs Richmond: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,639 | $81,977▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.84 | $39.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,739▲ | $46,558 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,134 | $64,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,137 | $89,957▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,383 | $102,591▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Richmond is $5,338 (6.97%). 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 Portsmouth spans $52,644,Richmond spans $56,033. Richmond 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, Richmond ($83,771 effective) pays 12.80% more than Portsmouth ($74,263 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,977/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,591)
- ✓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 Portsmouth grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$65,907 (2024) → $73,762 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$64,360 (2019) → $78,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Portsmouth or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portsmouth and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Portsmouth to Richmond as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Portsmouth vs Richmond?
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