Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $38.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in New Bedford, MA runs $38.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,678 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,405 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in New Bedford, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $38.79 in 2026. This figure slightly surpasses the national median hourly rate of $38.16, indicating competitive pay in the local market. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this translates to a possible take-home income of around $30,000 annually, depending on hours logged. Meanwhile, per-diem opportunities are prevalent in settings such as hospital clinical nutrition departments, outpatient counseling, and school district programs. Entry-level positions can earn approximately $25.94 per hour, while seasoned professionals may reach up to $52.05 per hour, highlighting a substantial disparity within the hourly pay scale for dietitians and nutritionists in the area.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.94 | $207.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.56 | $260.50 |
| Median (P50) | $38.79 | $310.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.00 | $359.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.05 | $416.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $38.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.79/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,543. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,551.43 | $6,723 | $80,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $930.86 | $4,034 | $48,405 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $620.57 | $2,689 | $32,270 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (New Bedford) | $38.79 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $80,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.64% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $80,118.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.79/hr = $48,405/year (purchasing power: $44,613).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,675/year (purchasing power: $74,354).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in New Bedford grew 11.1% from $33.61/hr (2019) to $37.33/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.30/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Considering the broader context, part-time dietitians and nutritionists in New Bedford can find flexible work opportunities that meet their financial needs while accommodating personal commitments. Those engaged in per-diem or agency work might capitalize on higher hourly wages, commonly billing between $50 and $80, especially for outpatient or sports nutrition services. Many cash-pay private practice registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) earn between $150 to $300 per session, reflecting growing trends in intuitive eating and holistic wellness. Moreover, the hourly rates can vary greatly based on the employer type: clinical settings may offer stability with benefits, but at a lower hourly rate, while private practice often entails higher pay without the perks of employment. Practical negotiation skills are key in this environment; professionals are encouraged to weigh salary against benefits, positioning themselves effectively to maximize their hourly pay in New Bedford's diverse healthcare landscape.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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