Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $33.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Independence, KY runs $33.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,324 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,194 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach $33.81 by 2026, which is notably below the national median of $38.16. This disparity has implications for part-time professionals, such as those who work three days a week, providing essential services in settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and private practices. The estimated hourly range for these roles in Independence spans from $22.40 at the entry level up to $44.81 for the highest earners. These figures give an insight into the earning potential of those entering the field or seeking flexible work arrangements, especially as dietitians and nutritionists can leverage their expertise in diverse environments, making their services valuable across various sectors.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.40 | $179.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.08 | $224.67 |
| Median (P50) | $33.81 | $270.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.26 | $314.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.81 | $358.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $33.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.81/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $70,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,571. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,352.36 | $5,860 | $70,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.42 | $3,516 | $42,194 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.94 | $2,344 | $28,129 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Independence) | $33.81 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $70,324 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $70,891.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.81/hr = $42,194/year (purchasing power: $47,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,323/year (purchasing power: $78,749).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Independence grew 24.7% from $26.10/hr (2019) to $32.54/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.13/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 Independence 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 Independence
When considering part-time work, a dietitian or nutritionist in Independence who dedicates 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $42,000 annually, which pales in comparison to full-time earnings in the field. For those exploring per diem opportunities, the hourly rates can vary significantly; many per diem dietitians bill between $50 and $80, while specialized consulting roles, such as sports nutrition, can yield $80 to $150 an hour. Additionally, cash-based private practice can command fees between $150 and $300 per session. These rates highlight how the type of employer can influence overall compensation in Independence. While some may opt for lower hourly rates through permanent positions for benefits like health insurance, others might prefer the flexibility and potential for higher income found in per diem or private practice work. Understanding the market and having firm negotiation strategies can be advantageous for dietitians and nutritionists looking to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Independence?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Independence?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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