Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $42.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Kearny, NJ runs $42.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,073 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, New Jersey, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $42.53 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $38.16. This competitive rate can offer significant value for dietitians seeking part-time roles or per-diem opportunities in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school districts. For instance, working three days a week could yield substantial earnings while also allowing for a flexible work-life balance, essential in this field. The hourly pay range reflects the diversity of experience within this profession, with entry-level positions starting around $29.85, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $56.76, making Kearny an attractive place for both emerging and established dietitians and nutritionists.
About the Kearny 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) | $29.85 | $238.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.60 | $292.83 |
| Median (P50) | $42.53 | $340.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.13 | $385.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.76 | $454.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $42.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.53/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $88,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,032. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,701.05 | $7,371 | $88,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,020.63 | $4,423 | $53,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.42 | $2,948 | $35,382 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Kearny) | $42.53 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $88,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $91,484.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.53/hr = $53,073/year (purchasing power: $46,070).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,455/year (purchasing power: $76,784).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kearny grew 24.7% from $32.82/hr (2019) to $40.93/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.18/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists working 24 hours a week might expect to take home around $53,358 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still offering considerable flexibility. Many in this profession find themselves in per-diem roles, often billed at rates between $50 and $80 per hour. Sports nutrition consultants might command even higher fees, ranging from $80 to $150 per hour, while private practice dietitians frequently charge between $150 and $300 per session. The rates can vary dramatically depending on the type of employer, whether it be a clinical setting, a private practice, or a corporate wellness program. It's important for professionals in the Kearny area to assess the benefits of lower-paying positions that include health insurance against higher hourly rates that do not offer such perks. For those seeking to negotiate their salaries, understanding the local market and their unique skills can enhance their bargaining power effectively.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kearny in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Kearny?
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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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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