Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $42.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $42.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,437 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, MD, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $42.02 in 2026, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This competitive pay scale is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem employees who often work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. For instance, a professional working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can earn substantial income while enjoying the flexibility of a lighter schedule. Entry-level positions in the field can start at about $26.65 per hour, while experienced professionals may see hourly rates as high as $55.33. Such a range indicates the potential for career growth and the financial rewards that can come with experience and specialization in nutrition services.
About the Gaithersburg 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) | $26.65 | $213.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.11 | $272.88 |
| Median (P50) | $42.02 | $336.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.34 | $394.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.33 | $442.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $42.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.02/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $87,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,421. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,680.69 | $7,283 | $87,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,008.41 | $4,370 | $52,437 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.27 | $2,913 | $34,958 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Gaithersburg) | $42.02 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $87,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $86,788.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.02/hr = $52,437/year (purchasing power: $47,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,396/year (purchasing power: $79,959).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Gaithersburg grew 24.7% from $32.43/hr (2019) to $40.44/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.66/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
Assessing the financial implications of various working arrangements, a dietitian and nutritionist working part-time would net approximately $52,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, the pay can be notably lucrative, ranging from $50 to $80 per hour, with specialized services in sports nutrition commanding even higher payouts. Different settings in Gaithersburg can also have varying impacts on pay; clinical roles in hospitals may offer steady employment with benefits, while private practitioners and consultants might earn more hourly but trade-off health insurance. For those negotiating contracts in this field, emphasizing the work-life balance that comes with part-time or agency positions is essential, especially in a city known for its cost of living. Therefore, understanding the nuances of dietitian and nutritionist hourly rates in Gaithersburg can help professionals make informed choices about their careers and earning potentials.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Gaithersburg?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Gaithersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Gaithersburg?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Gaithersburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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