Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Grand Island, NE: $34.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Grand Island, NE runs $34.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,896 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Grand Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,544 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Grand Island, NE, the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to be $34.09 in 2026, which positions them below the national hourly median of $38.16. This hourly wage reflects a range that spans from $22.62 for entry-level positions up to $46.14 for seasoned professionals in the field. For those considering part-time work—typically three days a week—this could equate to managing a balance of family, continuing education, or other endeavors while earning a respectable income. Per-diem workers may find their opportunities in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinic counseling rooms, hospital nutrition consult rounds, long-term care dining facilities, and even private practice or virtual telehealth offices. It's invaluable for those in this profession to understand how hourly pay relates to their specific work environments, as this will shape their financial planning.
About the Grand Island Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.62 | $180.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.68 | $221.43 |
| Median (P50) | $34.09 | $272.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.03 | $320.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.14 | $369.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Island
Based on $34.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.09/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Island, NE can expect to earn approximately $70,906 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,908. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,363.58 | $5,909 | $70,906 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $818.15 | $3,545 | $42,544 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.43 | $2,364 | $28,363 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Grand Island) | $34.09 |
| 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 Grand Island, NE earn a median of $70,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $72,640.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.09/hr = $42,544/year (purchasing power: $46,496).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,906/year (purchasing power: $77,493).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Grand Island grew 24.7% from $26.31/hr (2019) to $32.81/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.42/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 Grand Island 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 Grand Island
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists working an average of 24 hours per week can expect to bring home around $42,340 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still a solid income. For those considering per-diem work, the potential to bill at higher rates—ranging from $50 to $80 per hour—can result in a more lucrative arrangement, especially in specialized areas like sports nutrition consulting where fees may reach $150 per session. Furthermore, working in different employment sectors in Grand Island can also affect hourly rates; for example, hospital positions may offer lower pay in exchange for benefits, while private practice can demand a higher rate but provides no health insurance. Negotiation is key, especially in securing positions that align with one's financial needs and lifestyle, ensuring that all potential earnings align with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Grand Island in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Grand Island?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Grand Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Grand Island?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Island?
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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 Grand Island. 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 Grand Island 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