Surprise vs Tucson: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Surprise, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Surprise, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,020▲ | $67,140 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.51▲ | $32.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,013▲ | $46,911 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,616▲ | $62,205 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,614▲ | $79,889 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,247▲ | $93,926 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Surprise, AZ offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Surprise and Tucson is $10,880 (16.20%). Surprise's median is -1.71% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Surprise spans $57,234,Tucson spans $47,015. Surprise has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Surprise ($79,208 effective) pays 14.31% more than Tucson ($69,291 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,020/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,247)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,208)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Surprise grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Surprise, AZ
$66,835 (2024) → $75,091 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$59,630 (2019) → $64,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Surprise or Tucson?
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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