Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Portland, ME: $32.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Portland, ME runs $32.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,275 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Portland, Maine, earn a median hourly rate of $32.27, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16. This figure provides a practical foundation for part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week or engaging in per-diem work across various settings, such as hospital consultations, outpatient clinics, or private telehealth services. The hourly rate range for this profession spans from $17.66 for entry-level positions to $64.53 for those at the top of their field—data derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates. These hourly figures reflect the evolving landscape in which dietitians and nutritionists operate, making it essential for practitioners to assess both their earning potential and workplace settings carefully.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.66 | $141.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.46 | $179.71 |
| Median (P50) | $32.27 | $258.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.52 | $468.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.53 | $516.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $32.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.27/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $67,124 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,726. With a cost-of-living index of 101.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,290.85 | $5,594 | $67,124 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.51 | $3,356 | $40,275 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.34 | $2,237 | $26,850 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Portland) | $32.27 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $67,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.43% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 15.10% below the Maine state average of $79,069.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.27/hr = $40,275/year (purchasing power: $39,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,124/year (purchasing power: $65,900).
CoL index: 101.858 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Portland grew 10.8% from $28.04/hr (2019) to $31.06/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.53/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 Portland 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 Portland
Analyzing the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists reveals varying opportunities based on employment types and working arrangements in Portland, ME. For instance, those working part-time at 24 hours per week would earn significantly less annually compared to full-time staff, potentially impacting financial stability for those not seeking full-time roles. Per-diem dietitians can often negotiate rates ranging from $50 to $80 an hour, particularly in sporting nutrition roles where fees can escalate to $150 per hour. However, the benefits of steady employment—such as health insurance—often lead some to accept roles with lower hourly rates within clinical settings. It’s important for dietitians in Portland to understand the value proposition when weighing options, as negotiating hourly rates can differ across workplaces. Whether in long-term care facilities, schools, or private practice, knowing one’s worth and the market averages can lead to more favorable discussions around pay.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Portland?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Portland?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. 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