Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $31.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Little Rock, AR runs $31.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,276 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Little Rock, Arkansas, the projected hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists stands at $31.47, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This disparity can affect career decisions, particularly for those considering part-time work or per diem opportunities in various environments, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the income from this hourly rate may provide a valuable income stream, especially in settings where dietitians perform clinical consultations or assist with public health programs. Those new to the field can expect to earn $23.26 per hour, while experienced practitioners can reach up to $43.09, according to official BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.26 | $186.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.00 | $216.03 |
| Median (P50) | $31.47 | $251.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.75 | $310.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.09 | $344.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $31.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.47/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $65,460 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,766. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.85 | $5,455 | $65,460 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $755.31 | $3,273 | $39,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.54 | $2,182 | $26,184 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Little Rock) | $31.47 |
| 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 Little Rock, AR earn a median of $65,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.53% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.10% below the Arkansas state average of $68,986.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.47/hr = $39,276/year (purchasing power: $43,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,460/year (purchasing power: $73,251).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Little Rock grew 6.0% from $28.57/hr (2019) to $30.29/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.70/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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
In terms of annual earning potential, a dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours per week would take home about $39,246, translating to a lifestyle that might vary significantly when weighing full-time roles against part-time commitments. For those opting for per diem positions, the pay can range substantially, with many professionals able to charge $50-$80 per hour for standard consultations, while specialized areas like sports nutrition can demand fees of $80-$150 hourly. The environment in Little Rock varies, affecting hourly wages across employers; individuals in hospitals or long-term care facilities may earn less than those involved in private practice or corporate wellness programs. The trade-off often comes down to stability and benefits versus higher gig economy wages. When negotiating, it is wise for dietitians and nutritionists in AR to assess not just the hourly rate but also the value of health insurance and retirement benefits that come with full-time employment.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Little Rock?
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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 Little Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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