Virginia Beach vs Winchester: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,587 | $82,694▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.27 | $39.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,179 | $66,569▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,176 | $76,512▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,697 | $108,544▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,113 | $108,544▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Winchester, VA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Winchester is $3,107 (3.90%). Winchester's median is +4.17% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $49,934,Winchester spans $41,975. Virginia Beach 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, Winchester ($85,738 effective) pays 5.51% more than Virginia Beach ($81,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,694/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,544)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,738)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Virginia Beach grew 43.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$53,570 (2019) → $76,600 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$66,660 (2022) → $79,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Virginia Beach or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Winchester as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Virginia Beach vs Winchester?
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