Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Jackson, MS: $31.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Jackson, MS runs $31.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,717 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, Mississippi, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $31.82 in 2026. When compared to the national median hourly rate of $38.16, this reflects a significant gap for healthcare professionals in the area. This hourly rate allows for flexible work schedules, making it feasible for part-time practitioners to work three days a week, typically around 24 hours. For those engaged in per-diem roles across various settings—such as hospital clinical nutrition rounds, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, or even private practice—earnings can vary based on experience and location. The hourly wage in Jackson ranges from $21.49 for entry-level roles to $41.85 for seasoned professionals, showcasing the potential for a rewarding career in dietetics.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.49 | $171.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.74 | $221.93 |
| Median (P50) | $31.82 | $254.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.93 | $295.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.85 | $334.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $31.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.82/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, MS can expect to earn approximately $66,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,189. With a cost-of-living index of 89.05 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,272.98 | $5,516 | $66,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $763.79 | $3,310 | $39,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.19 | $2,207 | $26,478 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Jackson) | $31.82 |
| 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 Jackson, MS earn a median of $66,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.62% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.70% below the Mississippi state average of $68,021.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.82/hr = $39,717/year (purchasing power: $44,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,195/year (purchasing power: $74,336).
CoL index: 89.048 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Jackson grew 14.2% from $26.81/hr (2019) to $30.63/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.07/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
Evaluating the potential earnings of a part-time dietitian and nutritionist highlights the financial landscape in Jackson, MS. A typical part-time schedule could yield approximately $39,337 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. The per diem market allows for higher billing rates, with many professionals charging between $50 to $80 per hour when working through agencies, especially in specialized areas like sports nutrition, where rates can soar to $150 per hour. Employers such as hospitals versus private practices exhibit varied compensation structures; while hospitals may offer benefits at lower hourly rates, private practices might provide greater freedom at the expense of job security and benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial. For those negotiating positions, prospective workers in Jackson should consider which benefits are essential to them and how much they may be willing to trade-off for potentially higher hourly pay in environments without health insurance.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
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 Jackson. 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