Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Dundalk, MD: $40.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Dundalk, MD runs $40.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,802 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Dundalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,285 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dundalk, Maryland, the projected dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is set at $40.29 in 2026, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This favorable rate positions local professionals well compared to their peers across the country. For those working part-time, such as in hospital clinical nutrition consults or outpatient counseling settings, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,576 for a typical three-day workweek, allowing for considerable flexibility and a decent standard of living. The hourly wage ranges from $26.08 for entry-level practitioners to $53.81 for top earners, reflecting the diverse levels of experience and specialization in this field. Furthermore, insights drawn from annual salary estimates illustrate a landscape where part-time opportunities are plentiful, allowing for diversified career paths in various settings such as schools, long-term care facilities, and private practice or telehealth.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.08 | $208.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.10 | $264.82 |
| Median (P50) | $40.29 | $322.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.64 | $381.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.81 | $430.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dundalk
Based on $40.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.29/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dundalk, MD can expect to earn approximately $83,808 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,351. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dundalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dundalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.70 | $6,984 | $83,808 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.02 | $4,190 | $50,285 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.68 | $2,794 | $33,523 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Dundalk) | $40.29 |
| 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 Dundalk, MD earn a median of $83,802 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $86,751.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.29/hr = $50,285/year (purchasing power: $46,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,808/year (purchasing power: $76,677).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Dundalk grew 24.7% from $31.10/hr (2019) to $38.78/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.86/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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
The potential earnings for a part-time dietitian and nutritionist, particularly those working a typical schedule of three days a week, can substantially vary compared to their full-time counterparts. Based on the hourly pay scale, a 24-hour week translates to about $62,664 annually—much less than full-time roles that could offer benefits as part of the compensation package. For per-diem dietitians and nutritionists in Dundalk, the rates can often be higher, with some specialists billing between $50-$80 per hour, and those focused on sports nutrition or private practice charging even more, ranging from $80 to $300 per session. The compensation landscape can differ widely across employer types; for instance, clinical positions in hospitals might offer more stability and benefits, whereas private practice roles typically yield higher hourly rates without the same level of job security. When negotiating hourly pay, especially in a competitive market like Dundalk, it’s vital to weigh the trade-offs between securing health insurance and potentially higher pay rates. Strategies such as demonstrating unique skills or expanded certifications can enhance bargaining leverage in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Dundalk in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Dundalk?
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Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Dundalk?
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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 Dundalk. 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 Dundalk 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