Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Rock Island, IL: $36.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Rock Island, IL runs $36.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,745 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Rock Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,045 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Rock Island, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $36.89, which is slightly lower than the national median of $38.16. For those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, such as consulting in hospital clinical nutrition departments or even managing dietary needs in long-term care facilities, this hourly pay reflects varied earning potential. Entry-level professionals might start at the bottom of the scale, earning approximately $23.18, while seasoned dietitians can command up to $47.32 per hour. The opportunities are diverse, with professionals working in outpatient counseling, school food programs, and even sports nutrition settings where their expertise can greatly impact health outcomes and dietary choices.
About the Rock Island 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) | $23.18 | $185.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.97 | $255.76 |
| Median (P50) | $36.89 | $295.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.00 | $335.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.32 | $378.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Island
Based on $36.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.89/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Island, IL can expect to earn approximately $76,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,274. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,475.80 | $6,395 | $76,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.48 | $3,837 | $46,045 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.32 | $2,558 | $30,697 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Rock Island) | $36.89 |
| 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 Rock Island, IL earn a median of $76,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.32% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 16.30% above the Illinois state average of $65,989.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.89/hr = $46,045/year (purchasing power: $47,420).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,741/year (purchasing power: $79,033).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Rock Island grew 24.7% from $28.48/hr (2019) to $35.51/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.33/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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Analyzing the part-time potential within this field paints a vivid picture of financial viability. A dietitian and nutritionist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would earn around $46,177 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. However, many professionals find opportunities through per-diem engagements, where rates can range from $50 to $80 per hour, especially in specialized roles like sports nutrition consulting, which can even see rates climbing to $150 per hour. In Rock Island, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type, with hospital settings often paying less than private practice opportunities. Additionally, the trade-off between lower hourly wages in stable employment scenarios and the allure of higher pay without benefits for contract work is a common consideration. Those negotiating hourly pay should be aware of their employer's budgetary constraints and the typical hourly wages across Rock Island to ensure fair compensation. With the evolving landscape of the industry, including the push towards cash-pay models, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) may also find creative avenues to enhance their income and client reach.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Rock Island in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Rock Island?
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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 Rock Island. 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 Rock Island 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