Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $30.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $30.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,526 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Girardeau, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay sits at a median of $30.07, significantly lower than the national median of $38.16. This relatively modest hourly rate reflects various settings where RDNs operate, from clinical nutrition consults in hospitals to outpatient counseling and long-term care facilities. For part-time workers, particularly those working three days per week in typical roles, this could translate to about $1,853 per month, depending on their work hours. The hourly range for dietitians and nutritionists in Cape Girardeau spans from $23.60 at entry-level positions to $39.73 for the most experienced, highlighting the diverse earning potential in this field as presented by official BLS hourly data.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.60 | $188.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.00 | $199.99 |
| Median (P50) | $30.07 | $240.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.16 | $305.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.73 | $317.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $30.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.07/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $62,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,082. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.75 | $5,212 | $62,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.65 | $3,127 | $37,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.10 | $2,085 | $25,017 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Cape Girardeau) | $30.07 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $62,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.60% below the Missouri state average of $66,258.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.07/hr = $37,526/year (purchasing power: $43,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,543/year (purchasing power: $72,658).
CoL index: 86.078 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cape Girardeau grew 14.0% from $25.38/hr (2019) to $28.94/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.24/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a 3-day workweek totals approximately 24 hours, resulting in annual earnings that can be lower than full-time wages, impacting benefits and financial stability. The per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Cape Girardeau can present a lucrative alternative, with professionals billing anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, particularly in consulting or specialized fields like sports nutrition. In terms of employer types, variations abound; dietitians in corporate wellness programs or private practices may leverage higher fees, charging $150-$300 for a single session, while those in public health or hospitals might earn less but receive benefits like health insurance. Many professionals face a trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits versus higher hourly compensation without. To effectively negotiate, it’s key to understand the local demand for RDN services and be prepared to advocate for a fair rate that reflects one’s expertise and the growing need for cash-pay options, aligning with shifts in practice models influenced by the recent transition to a master’s degree requirement by 2024.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Cape Girardeau?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
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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 Cape Girardeau. 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