Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $32.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Decatur, IL runs $32.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,145 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Decatur, Illinois can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $32.17, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This discrepancy suggests that those working part-time or on a per-diem basis may find themselves earning less than their counterparts in larger urban areas. For example, professionals working three days a week could be pulling in around $25,000 annually if they work approximately 24 hours per week, while top earners may reach up to $42.79 per hour, reflecting a range that spans from $20.71 for entry-level positions to nearly $43 for those with significant experience. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, indicate a compensation structure that might appeal to those seeking flexibility, particularly in settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and community health programs.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.71 | $165.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.37 | $210.96 |
| Median (P50) | $32.17 | $257.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.30 | $298.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.79 | $342.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $32.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.17/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $66,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,601. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,286.70 | $5,576 | $66,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.02 | $3,345 | $40,145 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.68 | $2,230 | $26,763 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Decatur) | $32.17 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $66,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.72% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $65,979.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.17/hr = $40,145/year (purchasing power: $41,344).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,908/year (purchasing power: $68,907).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Decatur grew 34.8% from $22.96/hr (2019) to $30.96/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.42/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Part-time employment for dietitians and nutritionists in Decatur presents unique earning potential. If one works a typical schedule of 24 hours a week, the annual take-home could average around $25,000, contrasting sharply with full-time opportunities that could provide more stable income. Many choose per-diem or agency work where hourly rates can surge between $50 and $80, particularly in specialized areas like sports nutrition, which could command fees of $80 to $150 per session, while cash-paying private practices might charge clients $150 to $300 for an hour of consultation. Hours and corresponding pay significantly vary by employer type, resulting in a diverse landscape: from clinical roles in hospitals and outpatient settings to corporate wellness events and private consulting. Additionally, some may opt for lower hourly wages tied to employment benefits, navigating trade-offs based on their personal financial needs. For those negotiating in Decatur, knowing the regional rates and having a clear understanding of one's worth within various employment contexts can facilitate a more favorable compensation discussion.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Decatur. 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 Decatur 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