Jacksonville vs Tampa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,192 | $79,016▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.30 | $37.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,817 | $57,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,646 | $65,935▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,645 | $85,354▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,047 | $98,206▲ |
| Total Employed | 410 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Tampa is $11,824 (17.60%). Tampa's median is -0.46% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $48,230,Tampa spans $41,175. Jacksonville 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, Tampa ($78,319 effective) pays 15.96% more than Jacksonville ($67,541 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,206)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,319)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Jacksonville grew 7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$60,170 (2019) → $64,670 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$60,390 (2019) → $76,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Jacksonville or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Tampa as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Jacksonville vs Tampa?
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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