Des Moines vs Spokane: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Des Moines, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,230▲ | $80,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.06▲ | $38.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,288 | $62,787▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,349 | $68,179▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,194▲ | $90,071 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,442▲ | $96,367 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, WA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Spokane is $884 (1.10%). Des Moines's median is +2.33% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $54,154,Spokane spans $33,580. Des Moines 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, Spokane ($80,069 effective) pays 5.86% more than Des Moines ($75,633 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,230/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,442)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,069)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Des Moines grew -8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$85,126 (2024) → $78,181 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$60,790 (2019) → $77,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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