Dietitian Pay

Richmond vs South Bend: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Richmond, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Richmond, IN
$68,007
$32.70/hr
South Bend, IN
$67,067
$32.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichmond, INSouth Bend, IN
Median Salary$68,007$67,067
Hourly Rate$32.70$32.24
Entry Level (P10)$42,576$47,046
25th Percentile$59,024$59,046
75th Percentile$77,400$78,257
Top Earner (P90)$87,555$85,167
Total Employed780
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richmond ($68,007) and South Bend ($67,067) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.RichmondSouth BendMedian Salary$68,007$67,067Entry Level (P10)$42,576$47,046Top Earner (P90)$87,555$85,167US Median $79,380

Verdict

Richmond, IN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.

The salary gap between Richmond and South Bend is $940 (1.40%). Richmond's median is -14.33% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $44,979,South Bend spans $38,121. Richmond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Richmond
P10 (Entry)$42,576
P25$59,024
Median$68,007
P75$77,400
P90 (Top)$87,555
South Bend
P10 (Entry)$47,046
P25$59,046
Median$67,067
P75$78,257
P90 (Top)$85,167

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($74,487 effective) pays 3.13% more than South Bend ($72,225 effective).

Richmond
Nominal: $68,007
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $74,487
South Bend
Nominal: $67,067
CoL Index: 92.858
Adjusted: $72,225

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Richmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,007/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($87,555)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,487)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose South Bend if…

  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Richmond grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.

Richmond, IN

+18.8%

$55,086 (2024) → $65,454 (2025)

South Bend, IN

+15.4%

$55,950 (2019) → $64,550 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Richmond or South Bend?

Richmond has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $68,007/year, compared to South Bend at $67,067/year — a difference of $940 (1.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and South Bend?

Richmond dietitian and nutritionists earn $32.70/hr while South Bend hygienists earn $32.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Richmond to South Bend as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richmond and South Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richmond = $74,487, South Bend = $72,225), job availability (7 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Richmond vs South Bend?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $42,576 in Richmond and $47,046 in South Bend. The South Bend area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

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