Aberdeen vs Rapid City: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Aberdeen, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aberdeen, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,005 | $74,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.65 | $35.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,180 | $47,770▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,751 | $60,885▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,971 | $87,772▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,074 | $101,670▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aberdeen.
The salary gap between Aberdeen and Rapid City is $4,512 (6.45%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aberdeen spans $43,894,Rapid City spans $53,900. Rapid City 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, Rapid City ($80,298 effective) pays 6.45% more than Aberdeen ($75,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aberdeen if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,517/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,670)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,298)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Aberdeen grew 23.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Aberdeen, SD
$54,678 (2024) → $67,377 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$58,950 (2019) → $71,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aberdeen, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Aberdeen or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aberdeen and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Aberdeen to Rapid City as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Aberdeen vs Rapid City?
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