Rochester vs Syracuse: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,857 | $81,520▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.47 | $39.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,018▲ | $62,111 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,595 | $69,873▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,995 | $88,263▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,248 | $99,453▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Syracuse, NY offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Syracuse is $5,663 (7.47%). Syracuse's median is +2.70% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $28,230,Syracuse spans $37,342. Syracuse 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, Syracuse ($85,145 effective) pays 8.92% more than Rochester ($78,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,453)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,145)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Rochester grew 26.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$57,940 (2019) → $73,010 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$61,210 (2019) → $78,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Rochester or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Syracuse as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Rochester vs Syracuse?
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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