Dietitian Pay

Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Scarborough, ME: $36.26 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Scarborough, ME runs $36.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Scarborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,254 per year.

$75,432
Median Annual Salary
$36.26/hr
Hourly Rate
$50,571
Entry Level (P10)
$93,193
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Rate in Scarborough, ME — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Scarborough, ME dietitian and nutritionist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Scarborough, ME is projected to be $36.26 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $38.16. This hourly rate offers opportunities for part-time workers, such as those operating on a three-day workweek, allowing for flexibility in various clinical settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Per-diem roles can also be appealing for those seeking varied experiences across long-term care and public health roles. The hourly pay in Scarborough ranges from $24.31 for entry-level positions to $44.80 for seasoned professionals, indicating a robust potential for earnings within the field. Notably, hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, demonstrating how this compensation structure influences career planning for both new entrants and experienced dietitians in this coastal Maine city.

About the Scarborough Market

Salary estimated from Maine average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$24.31$194.50
Lower Range (P25)$31.68$253.43
Median (P50)$36.26$290.09
Upper Range (P75)$40.35$322.84
Top Earners (P90)$44.80$358.41

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scarborough

Based on $36.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dietitian and nutritionist in Scarborough earning $36.26/hr would make approximately $43,513 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $75,423 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$43,513Reduced (32 hr/wk)$58,018Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$75,423

At $36.26/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scarborough, ME can expect to earn approximately $75,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,513. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scarborough.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$290.09
per 8hr shift
$1,450.44
per week
$6,285
per month
$75,423
per year

Schedule Comparison in Scarborough

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,450.44$6,285$75,423
Part-Time (24 hrs)$870.27$3,771$45,254
Per Diem (16 hrs)$580.18$2,514$30,169

Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dietitian and Nutritionist (Scarborough)$36.26
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dietitian and nutritionist median salary in Scarborough ($75,432) with Maine average ($79,070) and the US national median ($79,380).Scarborough$75,432Maine Avg$79,070-4.60%US National$79,380-4.97%

Dietitian and Nutritionists in Scarborough, ME earn a median of $75,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $79,070.

Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $36.26/hr = $45,254/year (purchasing power: $45,436).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,423/year (purchasing power: $75,726).

CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$27.99/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$34.90/hr

2026 Current Est.

$36.26/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.6%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Scarborough (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dietitians and nutritionists in Scarborough. Baseline $27.99/hr in 2025, projected to $37.68/hr by 2027.$26$29$33$36$402019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$27.99$28.82$28.16$30.35$31.83$30.15$34.90$36.26$37.68
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$27.99/hrActual
2020$28.82/hrActual
2021$28.16/hrActual
2022$30.35/hrActual
2023$31.83/hrActual
2024$30.15/hrActual
2025$34.90/hrActual
2026(current)$36.26/hrEstimated
2027$37.68/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Scarborough grew 24.7% from $27.99/hr (2019) to $34.90/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.68/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Scarborough

For those considering part-time roles, a dietitian or nutritionist working three days a week could realistically take home an annual income considerably less than full-time professionals, depending on hours worked. Agency and per diem dietitians tend to experience more variability in compensation, billing between $50 and $80 per hour, with specialty practices such as sports nutrition offering rates as high as $150 per hour. The type of employer often dictates working conditions and pay structures; professionals in Scarborough may find differences based on whether they are employed by hospitals, private practices, or public health organizations. Accepted trade-offs often arise regarding hourly pay versus benefits; some practitioners might accept lower pay with health insurance benefits, while others prefer higher hourly rates without additional perks. Negotiating pay as a local dietitian and nutritionist requires understanding these dynamics and being clear about desired compensation levels, especially as the field evolves with the recent shift toward a master's degree requirement for RDNs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Scarborough in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Scarborough is $36.26/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.90% annual growth). Rates range from $24.31 at entry level (10th percentile) to $44.80 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 5.0% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Scarborough?

A part-time dietitian and nutritionist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Scarborough earns approximately $3,771/month, or $45,254/year at the median hourly rate of $36.26. Many dietitians and nutritionists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dietitians and nutritionists in Scarborough paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dietitians and nutritionists in Scarborough are paid hourly at a median rate of $36.26/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $75,423/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Scarborough?

A full-time dietitian and nutritionist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Scarborough earns approximately $75,423/year at the median hourly rate of $36.26. This is 5.0% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $93,187/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Scarborough?

Part-time and per diem dietitians and nutritionists in Scarborough sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $44.80/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

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 Scarborough. 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 Scarborough is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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