Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Columbus, IN: $33.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Columbus, IN runs $33.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,858 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 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,312 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus, Indiana, earn a median hourly rate of $33.10. This figure lags behind the national median of $38.16, reflecting local economic conditions and cost-of-living differences. For those working part-time, such as three days a week in settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and schools, the hourly pay translates into varying annual earnings, allowing for considerable flexibility. The hourly range spans from $21.55 for entry-level positions to $42.17 for experienced professionals at the top of their field. As the 2026 projections indicate, this compensation supports both per diem roles and salaried positions, with workers often capitalizing on opportunities in diverse environments including clinical settings, long-term care facilities, and private practice, which enhances job adaptability in the region.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.55 | $172.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.22 | $217.77 |
| Median (P50) | $33.10 | $264.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.51 | $300.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.17 | $337.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $33.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.10/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, IN can expect to earn approximately $68,853 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,723. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (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) | $1,324.10 | $5,738 | $68,853 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $794.46 | $3,443 | $41,312 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.64 | $2,295 | $27,541 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Columbus) | $33.10 |
| 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, IN earn a median of $68,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.26% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $69,906.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.10/hr = $41,312/year (purchasing power: $45,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,853/year (purchasing power: $75,414).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
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 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus grew 24.7% from $25.55/hr (2019) to $31.86/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.39/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
Exploring part-time opportunities can yield significant returns for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus. A three-day workweek could net around $51,624 annually, compared to a typical full-time role which averages significantly more. In contrast, per diem or freelance dietitians often demand higher rates, billing between $50 and $80 per hour for general consulting, while specialized areas like sports nutrition can reach $150 per hour. The earnings can fluctuate based on where they are employed—whether in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or schools each presents distinct pay scales. Many professionals face a trade-off between higher pay in private settings without benefits versus the stability of lower hourly wages with health insurance in more traditional roles. Those negotiating hourly contracts should emphasize the value they bring to the employer and consider local market conditions to secure the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus in 2026?
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How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Columbus?
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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 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
Salary data for Columbus 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