Roanoke vs Suffolk: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,501 | $77,875▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.86 | $37.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,381 | $52,585▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,675 | $65,625▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,928 | $89,170▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,913 | $109,380▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Suffolk, VA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Suffolk is $5,374 (7.41%). Suffolk's median is -1.90% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $48,532,Suffolk spans $56,795. Suffolk 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, Roanoke ($77,443 effective) pays 2.63% more than Suffolk ($75,460 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,443)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,875/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,380)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Roanoke grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$55,310 (2019) → $69,780 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$66,970 (2024) → $74,952 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Roanoke or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Suffolk as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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