Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $43.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Hilo, HI runs $43.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,916 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Hilo earn a median hourly rate of $43.20, which surpasses the national median of $38.16. This higher rate can benefit part-time workers, such as those engaging in clinical nutrition consult rounds or outpatient counseling sessions, allowing them to earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. For instance, a dietitian working three days a week would earn about $33,696 annually based on a standard 24-hour workweek. Additionally, hourly compensation ranges from $29.02 for entry-level positions to $57.61 for top earners in the field, making the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Hilo competitive compared to many other professions. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates projected for 2026, which reflect the demand and cost of living in HI.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.02 | $232.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.18 | $289.42 |
| Median (P50) | $43.20 | $345.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.52 | $404.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.61 | $460.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $43.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.20/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $89,859 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,842. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,728.06 | $7,488 | $89,859 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.84 | $4,493 | $53,916 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $691.23 | $2,995 | $35,944 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Hilo) | $43.20 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $89,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $94,692.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.20/hr = $53,916/year (purchasing power: $45,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,859/year (purchasing power: $75,322).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hilo grew 24.7% from $33.35/hr (2019) to $41.58/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.89/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
Evaluating the income potential for dietitians and nutritionists reveals diverse opportunities influenced by employment type. A part-time dietitian working just 24 hours per week would realistically take home approximately $33,696 a year, which is significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Hilo can vary widely; contracted professionals often bill between $50 to $80 per hour, with specialized services in sports nutrition commanding higher rates of $80 to $150. Cash-pay practices, which have gained popularity recently, can charge clients directly $150 to $300 for a one-hour consultation. Hourly wages also differ based on the employer, whether it's healthcare facilities, schools, or private practice. Many dietitians may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others opt to prioritize higher pay without the safety net of full-time employment. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing specialized skills and market demand, which can help secure a better rate in Hilo's unique environment.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Hilo?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Hilo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Hilo?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Hilo?
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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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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