Fayetteville vs Jonesboro: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,463 | $69,928▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.39 | $33.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,015 | $45,070▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,016▲ | $57,316 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,912 | $82,546▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,596 | $95,711▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Jonesboro is $465 (0.67%). Jonesboro's median is -11.91% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $47,581,Jonesboro spans $50,641. Jonesboro 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, Jonesboro ($80,470 effective) pays 0.67% more than Fayetteville ($79,934 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,928/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,711)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,470)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fayetteville grew 9.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$61,110 (2019) → $66,856 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$55,360 (2020) → $67,303 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Fayetteville or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Jonesboro as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Fayetteville vs Jonesboro?
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