Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $34.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $34.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,421 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling Heights, Michigan, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median of $34.34, which is notably below the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This pay scale has implications for part-time and per-diem professionals, who typically work in settings such as clinical nutrition consults in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers on a three-day weekly schedule, this hourly rate equates to a weekly income of approximately $1,036. The hourly pay range for dietitians and nutritionists allows entry-level workers to earn around $20.99, while top earners can make as much as $49.24. Understanding this financial landscape is crucial for those entering the field or considering various employment arrangements, especially when navigating the benefits and trade-offs of different roles within the industry.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.99 | $167.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.34 | $218.69 |
| Median (P50) | $34.34 | $274.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.63 | $317.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.24 | $393.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $34.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.34/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $71,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,207. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,373.56 | $5,952 | $71,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $824.13 | $3,571 | $42,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $549.42 | $2,381 | $28,570 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Sterling Heights) | $34.34 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $71,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.03% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $69,952.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.34/hr = $42,855/year (purchasing power: $45,982).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,425/year (purchasing power: $76,636).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Sterling Heights grew 24.7% from $26.50/hr (2019) to $33.05/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.68/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Earning as a per-diem dietitian and nutritionist in Sterling Heights offers a different financial picture than what traditional roles might provide. For those on a 3-day work schedule, their annual take-home pay could average around $54,000, while full-time equivalents may approach higher totals depending on employer type. Many per-diem or agency dietitians charge between $50 and $80 per hour, specifically in sports nutrition or wellness consulting, where rates can escalate from $80 to $150 hourly. However, working in schools or public health settings often yields lower pay, demonstrating the substantial variability in hourly rates. Moreover, while some practitioners accept lower hourly wages for job security and health benefits, others may opt for higher pay without benefits in private practice or corporate wellness roles. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the competitive climate in Sterling Heights can enhance their positioning, especially given the expected growth rate of 3.90% in the profession, as outlined in 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Sterling Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Sterling Heights?
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Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling Heights?
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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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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