Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Prior Lake, MN: $36.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Prior Lake, MN runs $36.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Prior Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,915 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Prior Lake, MN, earn a median hourly rate of $36.79, which is slightly below the national average hourly median of $38.16. This rate can translate into different experiences for various job structures, such as part-time roles—which typically offer work around three days a week—or per-diem positions in diverse settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and food service operations within schools. Entry-level dietitians may see starting hourly rates around $23.50, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $49.96 per hour, providing significant income variability based on experience, specialization, and workplace. Such numbers highlight the potential for individuals interested in flexible work arrangements, which have become increasingly popular within the profession.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.50 | $188.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.94 | $239.55 |
| Median (P50) | $36.79 | $294.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.36 | $330.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.96 | $399.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Prior Lake
Based on $36.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.79/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Prior Lake, MN can expect to earn approximately $76,525 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,149. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Prior Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Prior Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,471.64 | $6,377 | $76,525 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $882.98 | $3,826 | $45,915 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $588.66 | $2,551 | $30,610 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Prior Lake) | $36.79 |
| 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 Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $76,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.60% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $78,167.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.79/hr = $45,915/year (purchasing power: $46,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,525/year (purchasing power: $77,691).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Prior Lake grew 24.7% from $28.40/hr (2019) to $35.41/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.23/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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake
For part-time dietitians and nutritionists working 24 hours a week in Prior Lake, their annual earnings can differ considerably from those in full-time roles. Per-diem and contract workers in this field often bill between $50 and $80 per hour, significantly increasing their income potential, especially in niches like sports nutrition consulting, where hourly rates can soar to $150. Factors such as employer type make a difference; professionals working in hospital environments or outpatient clinics may earn more stable, albeit slightly lower hourly rates, while those in private practice enjoy higher flexibility but often without benefits. Many RDs must weigh the trade-offs of lower hourly pay with included health insurance against freelance rates that do not offer similar security. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding local market trends and emphasizing specialty qualifications can enhance discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Prior Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Prior Lake?
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How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Prior Lake?
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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 Prior Lake. 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 Prior Lake 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