Tucson vs Yuma: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Tucson, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tucson, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,140 | $78,785▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.28 | $37.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,911 | $47,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,205 | $66,997▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,889 | $90,696▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,926 | $103,989▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Yuma, AZ offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Tucson and Yuma is $11,645 (17.34%). Yuma's median is -0.75% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tucson spans $47,015,Yuma spans $56,285. Yuma 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, Yuma ($79,985 effective) pays 15.43% 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 Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Yuma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,785/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,989)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,985)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Tucson grew 8.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 64.0% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Tucson, AZ
$59,630 (2019) → $64,620 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$46,240 (2019) → $75,828 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Tucson or Yuma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tucson and Yuma?
Should I relocate from Tucson to Yuma as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Tucson vs Yuma?
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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