Portsmouth vs Roanoke: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,639▲ | $72,501 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.84▲ | $34.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,739 | $50,381▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,134▲ | $61,675 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,137▲ | $80,928 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,383▲ | $98,913 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Portsmouth, VA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Roanoke is $4,138 (5.71%). Portsmouth's median is -3.45% 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,Roanoke spans $48,532. Portsmouth 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, Roanoke ($77,443 effective) pays 4.28% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,383)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,443)
- ✓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 26.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$65,907 (2024) → $73,762 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$55,310 (2019) → $69,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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