Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $30.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Columbus, MS runs $30.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,381 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $30.75, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16. This local rate influences various employment scenarios, including part-time positions and per-diem roles within settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, school cafeterias, and more. A dietitian working three days a week might find this hourly rate beneficial, allowing them to achieve a reasonable income while enjoying flexible hours. With an hourly range that sees entry-level professionals starting around $19.86 and experienced practitioners earning up to $38.13, Columbus offers a unique framework for both new and seasoned dietitians and nutritionists looking to bolster their careers in this field.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.86 | $158.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.00 | $216.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.75 | $246.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.40 | $275.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.13 | $305.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $30.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.75/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $63,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,905. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.18 | $5,331 | $63,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.11 | $3,198 | $38,381 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.07 | $2,132 | $25,588 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Columbus) | $30.75 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $63,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $68,053.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.75/hr = $38,381/year (purchasing power: $44,786).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,969/year (purchasing power: $74,643).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus grew 24.7% from $23.74/hr (2019) to $29.60/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.95/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Considering the economics of working as a dietitian or nutritionist in Columbus, those employed part-time could take home approximately $37,440 annually, compared to full-time workers. Per-diem positions, which have become increasingly popular, often allow dietitians to bill rates between $50 and $80 per hour, especially in specialized roles like sports nutrition, where consulting rates can reach $150. The potential for variation in hourly rates across different settings emphasizes the need for professionals to understand their worth and explore diverse opportunities. Positions in hospitals may offer stable benefits but lower hourly wages, while private practice could bring higher pay without health insurance. Therefore, negotiation skills become essential for RDNs seeking to optimize their earnings in Columbus, especially as the field evolves with increasing demand for cash-pay practices and intuitive eating consultations.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbus in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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