Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $34.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Columbus, GA runs $34.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,542 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, the typical dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is $34.89, which falls below the national median of $38.16 per hour. This disparity means that local practitioners may find it more challenging to sustain part-time roles, such as those who work three days a week in clinical settings, outpatient care, or school environments. For professionals working per diem, the pay scale varies across jobs; hourly earnings can range from $23.26 for entry-level positions to $45.75 for seasoned experts. Typical environments for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus range from hospitals and long-term care facilities to private practice settings and virtual telehealth offices. According to data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these hourly figures provide an essential snapshot of the profession's financial landscape in the region.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.26 | $186.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.00 | $224.01 |
| Median (P50) | $34.89 | $279.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.54 | $324.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.75 | $365.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $34.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.89/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $72,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,868. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,395.58 | $6,048 | $72,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $837.35 | $3,629 | $43,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.23 | $2,419 | $29,028 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Columbus) | $34.89 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $72,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $79,380.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.89/hr = $43,542/year (purchasing power: $48,762).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,570/year (purchasing power: $81,269).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus grew 36.6% from $24.58/hr (2019) to $33.58/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.25/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
The earning potential for part-time dietitians and nutritionists can be substantial, particularly for those working 24 hours per week, but their annual income remains significantly less than that of full-time colleagues. Per diem dietitians, billing between $50 and $80 per hour, can enhance their income but often face variability in job stability. Consulting roles, especially in sports nutrition, can command even higher rates, from $80 to $150 per hour. Hourly rates differ depending on the employment setting in Columbus: those in corporate wellness programs or public health clinics might see lower rates, while private practice dietitians can leverage cash-pay opportunities to charge $150 to $300 for a one-hour session. This information illustrates a trade-off between higher hourly wages with fewer benefits versus consistent employment with healthcare coverage. For applicants in Columbus, it's vital to understand local wage norms and to negotiate accordingly, ensuring that compensation reflects both their credentials and the growing demand in the evolving nutrition landscape.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Columbus?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Columbus?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
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 Columbus. 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