Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Ellicott City, MD: $41.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Ellicott City, MD runs $41.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,135 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Ellicott City's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,282 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellicott City, Maryland, dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $41.89 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $38.16. This competitive rate facilitates diverse work opportunities for those in the field, including part-time roles or per-diem positions. For example, a dietitian working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can plan on a considerable income that reflects this hourly rate. Furthermore, pay ranges from $26.36 for entry-level positions to as high as $55.02 for the most experienced professionals, providing ample room for growth. Typical settings for dietitians and nutritionists, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices, offer flexibility and varied earning potentials, particularly for those exploring telehealth or specialty consulting roles.
About the Ellicott City 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) | $26.36 | $210.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.86 | $270.89 |
| Median (P50) | $41.89 | $335.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.05 | $384.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.02 | $440.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellicott City
Based on $41.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.89/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellicott City, MD can expect to earn approximately $87,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,271. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellicott City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellicott City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,675.70 | $7,261 | $87,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,005.42 | $4,357 | $52,282 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $670.28 | $2,905 | $34,855 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Ellicott City) | $41.89 |
| 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 Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $87,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $86,788.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.89/hr = $52,282/year (purchasing power: $47,833).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,136/year (purchasing power: $79,722).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Ellicott City grew 24.7% from $32.34/hr (2019) to $40.32/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.53/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 Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City
Part-time work as a dietitian or nutritionist in Ellicott City can yield significant earnings, with a typical annual take-home amount being less than that of full-time positions yet still substantial thanks to the lucrative hourly rates. Per diem workers, who make up a growing portion of the workforce, often bill between $50 and $80 per hour for agency roles, while specialized consulting in sports nutrition may command rates as high as $150. Different employers present varied hourly pay structures—such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health programs—all impacting overall compensation. Registered dietitians must carefully assess these trade-offs: lower hourly rates can come with benefits like health insurance, while higher rates may lack benefits but provide greater flexibility. Negotiating effectively for these roles is crucial and often calls for an understanding of local market trends to ensure competitive pay.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
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 Ellicott City. 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 Ellicott City 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