Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $40.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Fairbanks, AK runs $40.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,116 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fairbanks, Alaska, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $40.16 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $38.16. This hourly rate indicates a solid earning potential for those working part-time, such as in typical settings like hospitals, clinics, or schools. For instance, a dietitian working three days a week could earn around $31,600 annually, while per-diem workers in varied environments might see fluctuations based on consultation roles. The hourly range for dietitian and nutritionist positions in Fairbanks extends from $26.59 for entry-level positions to $53.21 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in both clinical and private practice settings.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.59 | $212.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.35 | $266.82 |
| Median (P50) | $40.16 | $321.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.62 | $372.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.21 | $425.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $40.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.16/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $83,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,189. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,606.29 | $6,961 | $83,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.78 | $4,176 | $50,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.52 | $2,784 | $33,411 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Fairbanks) | $40.16 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Health Education Specialist (National Avg) | $31.83 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.60 |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $83,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $84,208.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.16/hr = $50,116/year (purchasing power: $47,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,527/year (purchasing power: $78,725).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fairbanks grew 24.7% from $31.00/hr (2019) to $38.65/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.72/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dietitians and nutritionists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dietitian and Nutritionist in Fairbanks
Examining the potential earnings for part-time professionals further reveals that a dietitian working 24 hours per week can expect a significantly lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Conversely, per-diem or agency-based dietitians often operate on a 1099 basis, billing between $50 to $80 per hour, particularly when consulting in sports nutrition, which can command even higher rates of $80 to $150 per session. This variability hinges on employer types, with clinical settings generally offering stability and benefits while private practice may yield higher hourly rates but lack health insurance. Understanding these employer dynamics is crucial for negotiations, especially in Fairbanks, where securing benefits can justify lower hourly pay. In a field increasingly leaning towards cash-pay practices, especially post-2024 transition to a master’s-required credential from CDR, dietitians must consider their unique value and market demand when discussing compensation options.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fairbanks in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Fairbanks?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dietitians and nutritionists in Fairbanks. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairbanks is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
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