Carlsbad vs Farmington: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Carlsbad, NM and Farmington, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carlsbad, NM | Farmington, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,050 | $73,852▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.16 | $35.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,322 | $47,795▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,435 | $60,749▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,368 | $83,578▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,301 | $94,302▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 8▲ |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Carlsbad and Farmington is $2,802 (3.94%). Farmington's median is -6.96% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carlsbad spans $44,979,Farmington spans $46,507. Farmington 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, Farmington ($78,233 effective) pays 3.94% more than Carlsbad ($75,265 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,852/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,302)
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,233)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Carlsbad grew 15.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Farmington over the same period.
Carlsbad, NM
$59,074 (2024) → $68,383 (2025)
Farmington, NM
$61,404 (2024) → $71,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carlsbad, NM
Farmington, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Carlsbad or Farmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carlsbad and Farmington?
Should I relocate from Carlsbad to Farmington as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Carlsbad vs Farmington?
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