Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,909 | $72,437▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.57 | $34.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,661▲ | $42,503 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,231▲ | $56,435 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,954 | $86,039▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,258 | $101,401▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $528 (0.73%). Winston-Salem's median is -8.75% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $47,597,Winston-Salem spans $58,898. Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem ($77,390 effective) pays 5.64% more than Raleigh ($73,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,437/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,401)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,390)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Raleigh grew 23.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$56,200 (2019) → $69,210 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$60,144 (2024) → $69,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
Related Comparisons
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