Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $38.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Atlanta, GA runs $38.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,741 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,444 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Atlanta, Georgia, earn a median hourly rate of $38.82, which slightly exceeds the national median of $38.16. This rate reflects a competitive landscape for professionals in the area and provides ample opportunities for part-time workers or per-diem employees across various settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school nutrition programs. With an hourly range starting at $26.90 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $48.67 for those at the top of their field, many can design flexible schedules that fit within a three-day workweek, making the career appealing for individuals pursuing work-life balance. The BLS data for 2026 underscores the value of this profession as a cornerstone of health and wellness in the greater Atlanta area.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.90 | $215.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.51 | $260.08 |
| Median (P50) | $38.82 | $310.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.48 | $339.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.67 | $389.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $38.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.82/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $80,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,580. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,552.68 | $6,728 | $80,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $931.61 | $4,037 | $48,444 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $621.07 | $2,691 | $32,296 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Atlanta) | $38.82 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $80,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 11.30% above the Georgia state average of $72,543.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.82/hr = $48,444/year (purchasing power: $48,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,739/year (purchasing power: $80,693).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Atlanta grew 44.2% from $25.91/hr (2019) to $37.36/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.33/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Focusing on earning potential, a dietitian and nutritionist working part-time for three days a week could realistically take home about $47,000 annually, representing a significant income even outside full-time employment. Those opting for per-diem work often find lucrative opportunities, with hourly bills ranging from $50 to $80. Specializations in fields like sports nutrition can elevate earnings considerably, with rates reaching between $80 and $150. Hourly rates can vary widely depending on the employer, with positions in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower pay compared to high-demand private practice roles where direct-pay sessions for services might command $150 to $300 per hour. While some professionals may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay in less stable positions. As such, negotiating pay effectively, especially in a vibrant market like Atlanta, requires an understanding of the varied compensation strategies available to registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) navigating a workforce in transition.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Atlanta in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Atlanta?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Atlanta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Atlanta?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Atlanta?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Atlanta. 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