Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Kalispell, MT: $35.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Kalispell, MT runs $35.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Kalispell's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,750 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected hourly rate of $35.06 for dietitians and nutritionists in Kalispell, MT, the local market is slightly lower than the national median of $38.16. This rate provides a foundation for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week (approximately 24 hours), who could be earning around $814 weekly. In settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers, these professionals can expect to earn within a range of $23.40 at entry level to as much as $43.36 for top earners in the field. Daily responsibilities in this profession can vary widely, from rounding in clinical settings to consulting in schools and private practice, giving flexibility to those considering both part-time and per-diem opportunities. Understanding this hourly pay structure is crucial for anyone entering the dietetics and nutrition field in Kalispell.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.40 | $187.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.28 | $234.23 |
| Median (P50) | $35.06 | $280.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.05 | $312.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.36 | $346.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalispell
Based on $35.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.06/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalispell, MT can expect to earn approximately $72,916 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,067. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalispell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalispell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,402.23 | $6,076 | $72,916 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $841.34 | $3,646 | $43,750 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $560.89 | $2,431 | $29,166 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Kalispell) | $35.06 |
| 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 Kalispell, MT earn a median of $72,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $76,352.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.06/hr = $43,750/year (purchasing power: $45,478).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,916/year (purchasing power: $75,796).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kalispell grew 24.7% from $27.06/hr (2019) to $33.74/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.42/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 Kalispell 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 Kalispell
Considering the earning potential for part-time dietitians and nutritionists, working 24 hours a week would yield approximately $42,800 annually, whereas full-time positions can lead to significantly higher incomes. For those in the per-diem sector, rates can be considerably higher, with pay ranging from $50-$80 per hour, and specialized areas like sports nutrition potentially paying $80-$150 per hour. Some pursue cash-pay private practice, where fees can reach up to $300 per session for hour-long consults. Hourly pay may also vary substantially depending on the employer type; clinical roles may offer more stability and benefits, while private practices and agency work could provide higher rates but with less job security. Negotiating an hourly rate in Kalispell should take into account these trade-offs, with a focus on personal goals and financial needs, making it essential to engage in clear conversations about compensation and the value brought to the table by registered dietitian nutritionists.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kalispell in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Kalispell?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Kalispell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Kalispell?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Kalispell?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 Kalispell. 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 Kalispell 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