Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in West Lafayette, IN: $30.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in West Lafayette, IN runs $30.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against West Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists in West Lafayette, Indiana, stands at a median of $30.08. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.16, reflecting regional economic variations. Such a rate implies specific implications for professionals working in various settings, particularly those engaged in part-time and per diem roles. These individuals, for example, might find opportunities across hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds, outpatient clinics, or even school district food service programs. The hourly range in this region spans from approximately $20.50 for entry-level positions to about $40.54 for experienced practitioners, illustrating the potential for growth in pay as one advances in their career and expertise.
About the West Lafayette 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) | $20.50 | $164.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.41 | $203.31 |
| Median (P50) | $30.08 | $240.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.34 | $282.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.54 | $324.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Lafayette
Based on $30.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.08/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $62,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,095. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,203.16 | $5,214 | $62,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.90 | $3,128 | $37,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.26 | $2,085 | $25,026 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (West Lafayette) | $30.08 |
| 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 West Lafayette, IN earn a median of $62,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.19% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 10.50% below the Indiana state average of $69,901.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.08/hr = $37,539/year (purchasing power: $41,116).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,564/year (purchasing power: $68,526).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in West Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in West Lafayette grew 24.7% from $23.22/hr (2019) to $28.95/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.25/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 West Lafayette 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 West Lafayette
When considering the financial workings of a 3-day workweek, a dietitian and nutritionist in West Lafayette could expect to earn around $46,924 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time salaries. Those opting for per diem positions or agency work often report significantly higher billing rates, from $50 to $80 per hour, with specialists in sports nutrition or cash-pay private practices commanding even higher fees, ranging from $80 to $300 per session. Hourly compensation can substantially vary depending on the employer type, including clinical, outpatient, or corporate wellness settings. While some may accept lower pay for roles that offer health benefits, others are drawn to freelance opportunities that provide flexibility and higher hourly earnings. For those working in the area, it's vital to understand their value effectively when negotiating pay, particularly in a city like West Lafayette where the evolving market requires adaptability and a clear grasp of one’s worth within the profession.
More salary data for West Lafayette, IN:
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 West Lafayette. 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 West Lafayette 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