Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $33.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Columbia, MO runs $33.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,239 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,545 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Columbia, MO, is projected to be $33.29 in 2026, which is lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This difference can impact those in part-time positions or per-diem roles, which are common in the industry, including settings such as hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds, outpatient clinic counseling rooms, and long-term care dining environments. For instance, a dietitian working just three days a week at this rate could earn around $26,059 annually, highlighting the potential financial implications of part-time work in this field. Additionally, hourly wages in Columbia can vary considerably, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $25.20 and seasoned professionals earning up to $48.00 per hour, based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2025, projected to 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.20 | $201.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.07 | $240.55 |
| Median (P50) | $33.29 | $266.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.62 | $325.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.00 | $384.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $33.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.29/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $69,242 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,947. With a cost-of-living index of 89.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,331.58 | $5,770 | $69,242 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.95 | $3,462 | $41,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.63 | $2,308 | $27,697 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Columbia) | $33.29 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $69,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.78% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.50% above the Missouri state average of $66,257.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.29/hr = $41,545/year (purchasing power: $46,452).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,242/year (purchasing power: $77,419).
CoL index: 89.438 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia grew 14.6% from $27.96/hr (2019) to $32.04/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.59/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem roles as a dietitian and nutritionist in Columbia, the earnings can be significant. A 3-day per week schedule at $33.29 translates to a limited full-time equivalent, making it crucial to assess overall financial health versus full-time positions that typically provide benefits and stability. Per-diem dietitians often have the potential to earn more, as they can charge $50 to $80 per hour for temporary engagements, with specialized fields like sports nutrition consulting potentially commanding $80 to $150 per hour. However, this work frequently lacks benefits, leading many to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance when employed full-time in areas such as school districts or public health. Understanding local market rates and confidently negotiating compensation can be essential for securing the best possible dietitian and nutritionist hourly rate in MO.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Columbia?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Columbia?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Columbia. 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