Bentonville vs Fayetteville: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Bentonville, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,147 | $69,463▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.76 | $33.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,079 | $44,015▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,813 | $59,016▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,416 | $79,912▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,544 | $91,596▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 18▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bentonville.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fayetteville is $1,316 (1.93%). Fayetteville's median is -12.49% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $48,465,Fayetteville spans $47,581. Bentonville 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, Fayetteville ($79,934 effective) pays 1.93% more than Bentonville ($78,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,463/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,596)
- ✓Larger job market (18 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,934)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Bentonville grew 36.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$48,075 (2024) → $65,589 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$61,110 (2019) → $66,856 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Bentonville or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fayetteville as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Bentonville vs Fayetteville?
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