Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $31.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Murray, KY runs $31.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,782 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Kentucky, the estimated hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 is $31.88. This rate is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $38.16, indicating a regional variance that could affect local employment decisions. For part-time professionals working three days a week, primarily in settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school nutrition programs, such an hourly wage translates to a more manageable work-life balance but represents a significant drop in potential earnings compared to full-time counterparts. Entry-level positions offer rates starting around $22.99 per hour, while those with more experience can reach up to $41.18 per hour, reflecting the earning potential across various settings from clinical environments to private practice and virtual telehealth.
About the Murray 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) | $22.99 | $183.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.77 | $222.18 |
| Median (P50) | $31.88 | $255.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.58 | $292.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.18 | $329.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $31.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.88/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $66,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,252. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.06 | $5,525 | $66,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.04 | $3,315 | $39,782 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.02 | $2,210 | $26,521 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Murray) | $31.88 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $66,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $70,909.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.88/hr = $39,782/year (purchasing power: $44,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,303/year (purchasing power: $74,248).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Murray grew 24.7% from $24.60/hr (2019) to $30.68/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.12/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 Murray 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 Murray
Examining the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists in Murray sheds light on the part-time earning potential versus full-time roles. A dietitian working 24 hours weekly, earning $31.88 per hour, would take home approximately $39,626 annually. In contrast, per-diem or agency dietitians often see higher hourly rates, frequently billing between $50 to $80 for general services, with specialized consulting in sports nutrition potentially yielding between $80 and $150 per hour. Cash-pay RDNs can charge substantially more, up to $300 for a 60-minute session, especially as practices oriented towards intuitive eating become popular. It's essential to recognize the hourly pay disparities depending on the type of employer; those in clinical settings or public health may offer lower wages but often include health benefits, while private practice and corporate wellness may come with higher pay yet lack benefits. For dietitians and nutritionists in Murray, navigating compensation effectively means understanding these nuances, including potential negotiations that align their experience and specialties with the demands of local healthcare and wellness environments.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
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 Murray. 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 Murray 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