Salem vs Tigard: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Salem, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,700▲ | $79,180 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.57▲ | $38.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,109▲ | $51,976 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,162▲ | $65,668 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,578▲ | $92,557 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,703▲ | $106,550 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.
The salary gap between Salem and Tigard is $13,520 (17.08%). Salem's median is +16.78% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $32,594,Tigard spans $54,574. Tigard 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, Salem ($89,436 effective) pays 15.89% more than Tigard ($77,173 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,700/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,703)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,436)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tigard if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Salem grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.5% growth in Tigard over the same period.
Salem, OR
$66,190 (2019) → $89,220 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$75,810 (2024) → $76,208 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tigard, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Salem or Tigard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tigard?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tigard as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Salem vs Tigard?
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