Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $40.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Rochester, MN runs $40.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,463 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,077 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, registered dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median of $40.13, which is higher than the national hourly median of $38.16. This favorable rate not only reflects the demand for dietetic professionals in the area but also supports a variety of working arrangements. Part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, typically allow practitioners to balance professional and personal commitments while still earning a competitive wage. Per-diem work is common and offers flexibility for those seeking to practice in clinical settings like hospitals and outpatient clinics, as well as in schools and long-term care facilities. The hourly compensation ranges from $32.04 for entry-level positions to $48.16 for top-tier practitioners, highlighting opportunities across various environments in Rochester.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.04 | $256.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.61 | $268.89 |
| Median (P50) | $40.13 | $321.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.19 | $369.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.16 | $385.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $40.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.13/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $83,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,151. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,605.05 | $6,955 | $83,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.03 | $4,173 | $50,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.02 | $2,782 | $33,385 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Rochester) | $40.13 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $83,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.14% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 6.70% above the Minnesota state average of $78,222.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.13/hr = $50,077/year (purchasing power: $55,139).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,462/year (purchasing power: $91,898).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Rochester grew 27.0% from $30.40/hr (2019) to $38.62/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.69/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Exploring the financial implications of working part-time, a dietitian or nutritionist in Rochester, who operates for 24 hours a week, may bring home around $49,965 annually. This is substantially less than a full-time professional's earning potential but offers a desirable work-life balance. Additionally, per diem and locum tenens opportunities can see rates fluctuating significantly; many registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) charge between $50-$80 per hour for temporary assignments, while specialized consulting roles in sports nutrition can command rates of $80-$150 per hour. Furthermore, cash-pay private practice RDNs may charge clients $150-$300 for a single 60-minute session, reflecting the growing trend toward independent practice outside of insurance networks. The hourly rates for dietitians and nutritionists vary considerably depending on the type of employer in Rochester. Positions in hospitals may pay less than those in corporate wellness or private practice, where benefits are often a key consideration. Professionals must then weigh the trade-off between lower hourly wages that include health insurance and higher pay without benefits. Negotiating for favorable hourly rates is crucial, especially as the demand for dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Rochester shows a growth rate of 3.90% annually.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Rochester?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Rochester?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
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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 Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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