Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $35.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Billings, MT runs $35.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,748 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Billings, Montana, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $35.86 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $38.16. This wage reflects the local market's dynamics and can significantly impact the financial situation of those choosing part-time roles or per-diem positions in diverse environments such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For dietitians working part-time, for example, a typical schedule of three days a week could yield around $1,130 weekly before taxes, indicative of a stable income stream while also allowing for flexibility and work-life balance. The hourly range for this profession spans from $26.92 for entry-level positions up to $41.48 for the highest earners in Billings, providing a clear indication of the income potential across different experience levels. This data is derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS statistics.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.92 | $215.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.66 | $253.27 |
| Median (P50) | $35.86 | $286.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.61 | $308.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.48 | $331.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $35.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.86/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $74,580 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,027. With a cost-of-living index of 93.53 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,434.24 | $6,215 | $74,580 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $860.54 | $3,729 | $44,748 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $573.69 | $2,486 | $29,832 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Billings) | $35.86 |
| 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 Billings, MT earn a median of $74,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.05% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.30% below the Montana state average of $76,335.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.86/hr = $44,748/year (purchasing power: $47,846).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,580/year (purchasing power: $79,743).
CoL index: 93.526 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Billings grew 24.7% from $27.68/hr (2019) to $34.51/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.25/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 Billings 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 Billings
Exploring part-time prospects, a dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours a week could earn around $58,045 every year, which contrasts sharply with full-time colleagues. Those employed on a per-diem or agency basis frequently command higher hourly rates, ranging between $50 and $80. Specialized services, like sports nutrition consulting, may fetch as much as $150 an hour, illustrating the variations within the roles. Employers in Billings, such as school districts or hospitals, often provide health benefits, which can make lower hourly rates more appealing for those who prioritize job security and health coverage. However, many professionals in cash-pay or private practice may opt for higher rates despite the absence of benefits, demonstrating the trade-offs in this field. Dietitians negotiating hourly wages should focus on the local cost of living and market demand while also considering their own experience and specialized training, which can greatly influence pay rates across Billings.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Billings in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Billings?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Billings paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Billings?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Billings?
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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 Billings. 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, 4-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