Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,034▲ | $77,437 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.47▲ | $37.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,285 | $64,470▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,052▲ | $67,078 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,995 | $87,255▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,884 | $103,942▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | N/A |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins is $2,597 (3.35%). Colorado Springs's median is +0.82% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $34,599,Fort Collins spans $39,472. Fort Collins 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, Colorado Springs ($79,472 effective) pays 3.79% more than Fort Collins ($76,573 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,034/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,472)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,942)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Colorado Springs grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$60,450 (2019) → $77,030 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$62,340 (2019) → $74,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins?
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