Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Hot Springs, AR: $32.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Hot Springs, AR runs $32.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Hot Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,508 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hot Springs, Arkansas, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is estimated at $32.46, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This difference can impact professionals working part-time or in per-diem roles, such as those conducting clinical nutrition consultations in hospitals, providing outpatient counseling, or serving in school district food programs. The hourly compensation ranges from about $20.63 for entry-level positions to $42.15 for seasoned experts, reflecting the variability in experience and specialization. Additionally, dietitians and nutritionists can expect these figures to inform their earnings extensively as they navigate various work settings, whether through private practice, long-term care facilities, or community-based organizations.
Analyzing the earnings potential for a part-time dietitian and nutritionist working three days a week, earning $32.46 per hour, translates to approximately $25,000 annually compared to a full-time income. For per-diem workers, hourly pay can extend significantly higher, with many billing $50-$80 per hour for general services, and specialized consultations in sports nutrition fetching $80-$150 per hour. In Hot Springs, variations in compensation also depend on the employer type; while hospitals might offer stable wages, private practice may demand accepting lower hourly rates for the benefit of health insurance. Negotiating potential pay effectively requires understanding these dynamics, highlighting the importance of positioning your skills based on the employer's needs and the local market landscape.
About the Hot Springs Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.63 | $165.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.42 | $211.37 |
| Median (P50) | $32.46 | $259.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.17 | $297.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.15 | $337.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hot Springs
Based on $32.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.46/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hot Springs, AR can expect to earn approximately $67,513 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,950. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hot Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hot Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,298.33 | $5,626 | $67,513 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.00 | $3,376 | $40,508 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.33 | $2,250 | $27,005 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Hot Springs) | $32.46 |
| 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 Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $67,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $68,962.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.46/hr = $40,508/year (purchasing power: $46,615).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,513/year (purchasing power: $77,691).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hot Springs grew 24.7% from $25.05/hr (2019) to $31.24/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.72/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 Hot Springs 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.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hot Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Hot Springs?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Hot Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Hot Springs?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Hot Springs?
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 Hot Springs. 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 Hot Springs 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