Jackson vs Meridian: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Jackson, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,184▲ | $64,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.82▲ | $31.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,687▲ | $43,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,696▲ | $53,936 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,803▲ | $73,893 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,047▲ | $83,599 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Jackson and Meridian is $1,693 (2.63%). Jackson's median is -16.62% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $42,360,Meridian spans $40,459. Jackson 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, Meridian ($75,252 effective) pays 1.25% more than Jackson ($74,324 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,184/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,047)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,252)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Jackson grew 14.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.5% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$55,760 (2019) → $63,700 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$43,872 (2024) → $62,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Jackson or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Meridian as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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