Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Dalton, GA: $33.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Dalton, GA runs $33.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Dalton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,025 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Dalton, GA, is projected at $33.67, which is notably below the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This median rate presents various opportunities for professionals in diverse settings, whether they're engaged in clinical nutrition consults at hospitals, providing dietary guidance in long-term care facilities, or working within outpatient clinics. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this translates to hourly pay that can significantly supplement income, especially if they run a cash-pay practice or offer per-diem services. The hourly wage range in Dalton extends from $23.54 for entry-level positions to as much as $42.81 for top earners, indicating a healthy job market for dietitians and nutritionists in this region, where estimated rates are derived from annual salary data.
About the Dalton Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.54 | $188.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.88 | $231.07 |
| Median (P50) | $33.67 | $269.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.00 | $303.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.81 | $342.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dalton
Based on $33.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.67/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dalton, GA can expect to earn approximately $70,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,409. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dalton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dalton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,346.96 | $5,837 | $70,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.18 | $3,502 | $42,025 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.78 | $2,335 | $28,017 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Dalton) | $33.67 |
| 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 Dalton, GA earn a median of $70,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.77% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.50% below the Georgia state average of $72,575.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.67/hr = $42,025/year (purchasing power: $45,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,042/year (purchasing power: $75,233).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Dalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Dalton grew 24.7% from $25.99/hr (2019) to $32.41/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.99/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 Dalton 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 Dalton
With part-time professionals working around 24 hours a week, the financial landscape can shift dramatically compared to full-time commitments. Per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Dalton often ranges from $50 to $80 per hour, particularly for specialized roles in sports nutrition or private practice settings, where hourly rates can soar to $150-$300 for consultation. While some may accept lower hourly rates in clinical settings for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits when accepting agency positions or locum tenens work. For those considering their earnings potential, negotiating salaries based on employer types—such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or corporate wellness programs—becomes essential. Understanding the local market and being aware of common industry compensation practices can aid professionals in Dalton in securing better hourly rates, ensuring that they are compensated appropriately for their expertise in the evolving field of dietetics.
More salary data for Dalton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Dalton in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Dalton?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Dalton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Dalton?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Dalton?
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 Dalton. 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 Dalton 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