Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $32.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in South Portland, ME runs $32.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, Maine, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median of $32.14, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16. This hourly rate implies that part-time professionals working three days a week, or about 24 hours, can anticipate an annual income that reflects their reduced schedule. Additionally, per-diem workers in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics might find their earnings more flexible, as the hourly pay can range from $22.37 at entry-level positions to as high as $42.88 for experienced practitioners. With such a wide spectrum of rates influenced by factors like employer type and experience, understanding this pay structure is essential for individuals considering various work environments in nutrition and dietetics.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.37 | $178.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.88 | $215.03 |
| Median (P50) | $32.14 | $257.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.50 | $299.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.88 | $343.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $32.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.14/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $66,843 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,564. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,285.45 | $5,570 | $66,843 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $771.27 | $3,342 | $40,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.18 | $2,228 | $26,737 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (South Portland) | $32.14 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $66,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.79% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 15.50% below the Maine state average of $79,103.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.14/hr = $40,106/year (purchasing power: $40,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,843/year (purchasing power: $67,112).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in South Portland grew 24.7% from $24.80/hr (2019) to $30.93/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.39/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 South 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 South Portland
When assessing the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists, part-time positions present unique earning scenarios. A dietitian working 24 hours a week might take home approximately $32,000 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time counterpart who earns around $66,842, emphasizing the income potential difference. Meanwhile, per diem dietitians often charge between $50 to $80 for general work, and specialists in sports nutrition might bill even higher, from $80 to $150 per hour. In South Portland, hourly pay can also differ significantly based on employer type, leading to trade-offs between roles that offer benefits versus higher hourly compensation without insurance. Professionals should negotiate wisely, keeping in mind that corporate wellness programs and private practices may allow for greater income flexibility but lack employer-sponsored health benefits.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in South Portland?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in South Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in South Portland?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in South Portland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maine
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 South 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
Salary data for South Portland 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