Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $44.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $44.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,368 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Elizabeth, NJ, can expect a median hourly pay of $44.37, a figure that significantly surpasses the national median of $38.16. This higher hourly rate affords excellent flexibility for those in part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, and is conducive to per-diem positions in various settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practices. With a range that spans from $29.61 for entry-level positions to $62.57 for the most seasoned professionals, these hourly rates highlight the diverse earning potential available in this field. Notably, these estimates are derived from annual salary data for 2026, reflecting the dynamic nature of dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Elizabeth.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.61 | $236.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.33 | $298.65 |
| Median (P50) | $44.37 | $354.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.27 | $426.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.57 | $500.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $44.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.37/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $92,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,238. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,774.61 | $7,690 | $92,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,064.77 | $4,614 | $55,368 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $709.84 | $3,076 | $36,912 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Elizabeth) | $44.37 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $92,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $91,459.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.37/hr = $55,368/year (purchasing power: $48,062).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,280/year (purchasing power: $80,104).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Elizabeth grew 24.7% from $34.24/hr (2019) to $42.70/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.10/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
For those considering part-time work as a dietitian and nutritionist, a 24-hour workweek translates to significant annual earnings, allowing professionals to maintain a robust income while balancing other responsibilities. Per-diem and agency nutritionists typically command between $50 and $80 per hour, with sports nutrition consultants earning even higher rates of $80 to $150 per hour. In private practice, cash-pay registered dietitian nutritionists can charge anywhere from $150 to $300 per session. However, it's essential to recognize that hourly pay can vary widely across different employer types in Elizabeth—hospitals, outpatient clinics, WIC, and corporate wellness programs each offer unique compensation structures. Many professionals may opt for lower hourly rates if it includes valuable benefits like health insurance, while others might pursue higher pay without benefits depending on individual circumstances. Understanding these dynamics and employing effective negotiation strategies can help dietitians and nutritionists navigate their earnings in this evolving marketplace.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Elizabeth in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Elizabeth?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Elizabeth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Elizabeth?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Elizabeth?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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