Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $32.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Independence, MO runs $32.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,573 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $32.51 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This disparity reflects local market conditions and cost of living factors that influence wages in the region. For dietitians and nutritionists working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to meaningful earnings, especially in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. Entry-level professionals may earn around $21.47 per hour, while experienced dietitians can make up to $46.59 per hour, showcasing a clear path for wage growth. The hourly rates provided are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, illustrating the various opportunities available to both full-time and per-diem workers in this essential health profession.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.47 | $171.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.09 | $216.69 |
| Median (P50) | $32.51 | $260.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.51 | $300.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.59 | $372.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $32.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.51/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $67,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,012. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,300.41 | $5,635 | $67,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $780.25 | $3,381 | $40,573 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $520.16 | $2,254 | $27,049 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Independence) | $32.51 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $67,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.82% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $66,222.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.51/hr = $40,573/year (purchasing power: $45,282).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,621/year (purchasing power: $75,470).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Independence grew 24.7% from $25.09/hr (2019) to $31.29/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.78/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 Independence 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 Independence
When exploring the potential earnings in this field, a part-time dietitian or nutritionist working 24 hours a week can anticipate annual take-home pay that differs significantly from full-time colleagues. Meanwhile, per-diem dietitians and nutritionists in Independence often bill rates between $50 and $80 per hour, making this an alluring option for those seeking flexibility. Specializing in areas like sports nutrition could yield impressive rates upward of $150 per hour, particularly in cash-pay scenarios where clients are willing to invest in personalized services. Hourly pay can vary significantly based on the work environment; for example, those in corporate wellness programs might earn less than those in private practice, where cash-pay models thrive. It's essential for professionals to weigh the benefits of traditional employment, which often includes health insurance, against higher pay in freelance roles that lack such benefits. For salary negotiations, research local compensation trends and highlight specialized skills to effectively advocate for preferred rates.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Independence?
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How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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