Ridgeland vs Southaven: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Ridgeland, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ridgeland, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,316 | $66,920▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.40 | $32.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,429 | $45,239▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,579▲ | $56,431 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,215 | $76,562▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,313 | $87,536▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 14▲ |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ridgeland.
The salary gap between Ridgeland and Southaven is $1,604 (2.46%). Southaven's median is -15.70% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ridgeland spans $36,884,Southaven spans $42,297. Southaven 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, Southaven ($78,086 effective) pays 2.46% more than Ridgeland ($76,215 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ridgeland if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,536)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,086)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Ridgeland grew 41.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.5% growth in Southaven over the same period.
Ridgeland, MS
$44,432 (2024) → $62,864 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$45,524 (2024) → $64,408 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ridgeland, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Ridgeland or Southaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ridgeland and Southaven?
Should I relocate from Ridgeland to Southaven as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Ridgeland vs Southaven?
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