Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Lexington, KY: $33.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Lexington, KY runs $33.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,934 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lexington, Kentucky, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $33.60, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16. This figure reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living, making it an essential consideration for professionals in the field. For dietitians and nutritionists working part-time—such as those who are in clinical nutrition consult roles in hospitals or providing counseling in outpatient services—this hourly rate translates to approximately $26,400 annually when working three days a week, amounting to about 24 hours. The hourly pay range in Lexington runs from $19.48 for entry-level positions to $43.89 for the most experienced practitioners. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights the various settings where these professionals operate, including sports training facilities and private practice environments.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.48 | $155.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.20 | $225.59 |
| Median (P50) | $33.60 | $268.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.05 | $312.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.89 | $351.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $33.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.60/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, KY can expect to earn approximately $69,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,322. With a cost-of-living index of 92.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,344.05 | $5,824 | $69,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.43 | $3,495 | $41,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.62 | $2,330 | $27,956 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Lexington) | $33.60 |
| 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 Lexington, KY earn a median of $69,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.40% below the Kentucky state average of $70,886.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.60/hr = $41,934/year (purchasing power: $45,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,891/year (purchasing power: $75,241).
CoL index: 92.889 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lexington grew 9.8% from $29.45/hr (2019) to $32.34/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.91/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Analyzing the local earning potential, part-time dietitians and nutritionists may find that a 3-day work schedule yields a significantly different financial picture compared to full-time roles. Many professionals in the area may choose per diem or locum tenens positions that offer a higher hourly wage, often charging $50-$80 per hour, especially in specialized areas like sports nutrition or cash-pay private practices, where fees can range from $150 to $300 for a 60-minute consultation. In Lexington, hourly rates vary widely based on the employer; clinical positions in hospitals generally offer less than corporate wellness programs or private nutrition practices. The decision often comes down to a trade-off between higher hourly rates with fewer or no benefits versus stable employment with health insurance. Dietitians negotiating their salaries should aim to research local trends and consider the benefits package alongside the pay rate, as these factors significantly influence job satisfaction and financial well-being in a competitive but rewarding field.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lexington in 2026?
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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 Lexington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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