Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $31.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Meridian, MS runs $31.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,491 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median hourly rate of $31.00, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This discrepancy indicates that working in Meridian may present unique financial considerations for professionals in this field. For part-time dietitians working three days a week, this rate translates to a manageable income, especially in typical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools where flexible schedules are often available. The hourly pay can significantly range from $20.74 at the entry level to $40.19 for top earners, demonstrating the varied earning potential across different experience levels and job placements. Such numbers reflect the essence of local practice environments and situational demands, shaping how registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) approach their careers.
About the Meridian 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) | $20.74 | $165.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.93 | $207.47 |
| Median (P50) | $31.00 | $248.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.52 | $284.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.19 | $321.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $31.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.00/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $64,488 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,205. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,240.15 | $5,374 | $64,488 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.09 | $3,224 | $38,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.06 | $2,150 | $25,795 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Meridian) | $31.00 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $64,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $68,028.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.00/hr = $38,693/year (purchasing power: $45,149).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,488/year (purchasing power: $75,248).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Meridian grew 24.7% from $23.93/hr (2019) to $29.84/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.21/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Part-time dietitians in Meridian can expect to earn substantially less than their full-time counterparts, impacting their annual take-home as they typically work around 24 hours per week. Furthermore, per diem and agency dietitians or nutritionists often find an alternative path to potentially higher earnings, with rates ranging from $50 to $80 per hour for general assignments, while specialized roles in sports nutrition can command even higher fees. In comparison, cash-pay private practice RDNs might charge between $150 and $300 for direct consultations. The variation in hourly pay is also influenced by the type of employer; positions in public health or educational institutions often pay less than roles in corporate wellness or private practice settings. Because benefits such as health insurance are typically tied to full-time positions, some may choose a lower hourly rate for job security and benefits rather than higher-paying, no-benefit options. For those negotiating hourly rates in Meridian, understanding the regional market and identifying individual priorities can be valuable strategies in achieving satisfactory compensation.
More salary data for Meridian, 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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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