Registered Nurse vs Registered Dietitian: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Registered Dietitian
Provide evidence-based nutritional guidance and meal plans for individuals.
Registered Nurse earns more on average — the national median is $21,150/year (28%) higher than a Registered Dietitian. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Registered Dietitian — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Registered Dietitian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $111,580 | Registered +$27,050 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $91,691 | Registered +$24,082 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $107,646 | Registered +$31,221 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $84,638 | Registered +$22,401 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $82,536 | Registered +$20,244 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $98,403 | Registered +$31,362 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £59,011 | Registered $6,974 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$101,162 | Registered $6,548 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Registered Dietitian earn more?+
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $76,400/year for a Registered Dietitian — a difference of $21,150 (28%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Registered Dietitian?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Registered Dietitian demand is growing at 11% YoY. Registered Dietitian has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse to Registered Dietitian?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Nurse or Registered Dietitian?+
Registered Nurse has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 26%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.