Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Tupelo, MS: $32.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Tupelo, MS runs $32.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Tupelo's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,417 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tupelo, Mississippi, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is marked by a median rate of $32.39, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $38.16. For those seeking part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a weekly income that can adequately support flexible jobs in various environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school nutrition programs. The pay ranges from $20.39 for entry-level positions to $41.66 for the most experienced professionals, indicating a wide variation within the field. These figures offer a glimpse into the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists in Tupelo, showcasing the potential for respectable earnings even in part-time or per-diem roles, which are common in settings that require specialized nutritional expertise.
About the Tupelo 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) | $20.39 | $163.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.08 | $224.67 |
| Median (P50) | $32.39 | $259.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.84 | $294.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.66 | $333.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tupelo
Based on $32.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.39/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tupelo, MS can expect to earn approximately $67,362 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,863. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tupelo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tupelo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,295.43 | $5,614 | $67,362 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.26 | $3,368 | $40,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.17 | $2,245 | $26,945 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Tupelo) | $32.39 |
| 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 Tupelo, MS earn a median of $67,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $68,048.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.39/hr = $40,417/year (purchasing power: $47,161).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,362/year (purchasing power: $78,602).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tupelo grew 24.7% from $25.00/hr (2019) to $31.17/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.65/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 Tupelo 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 Tupelo
Analyzing the earning potential for dietitians and nutritionists reveals that a part-time worker, for instance, taking on 24 hours a week would earn approximately $40,000 annually, a stark contrast to the earnings of full-time colleagues who benefit from additional hours. The per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Tupelo can be enticing for those willing to work flexible schedules, with many professionals billing between $50 and $80 per hour, while specialized consulting services can command rates as high as $150 to $300 per session. However, the industry presents a trade-off; while higher hourly rates can be found in consulting or private practice, these positions often lack the benefits that come with employment in established health systems or public health programs. To navigate these diverse opportunities, dietitians in Tupelo should engage in practical negotiation strategies, whether aiming for individual clients or discussing salary packages in institutional settings, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their career and lifestyle goals.
More salary data for Tupelo, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tupelo in 2026?
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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 Tupelo. 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 Tupelo 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