Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $43.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Lakewood, NJ runs $43.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,434 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, dietitians and nutritionists can expect a median hourly pay of $43.62, a figure that exceeds the national median hourly rate of $38.16 by more than 14%. This competitive hourly wage not only reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field but also provides significant opportunities for those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a dietitian working three days a week could earn around $33,000 annually, making it a viable choice for those seeking flexibility in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and various community programs. The hourly range for these professionals spans from $28.14 for entry-level positions to $61.64 for top earners, demonstrating the potential for substantial financial rewards as one gains experience and expands their practice in areas such as sports nutrition or telehealth.
About the Lakewood 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) | $28.14 | $225.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.84 | $286.68 |
| Median (P50) | $43.62 | $348.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.45 | $419.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.64 | $493.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $43.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.62/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $90,724 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,341. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,744.69 | $7,560 | $90,724 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,046.81 | $4,536 | $54,434 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $697.88 | $3,024 | $36,290 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Lakewood) | $43.62 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $90,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $91,462.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.62/hr = $54,434/year (purchasing power: $47,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,724/year (purchasing power: $78,753).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lakewood grew 24.7% from $33.67/hr (2019) to $41.98/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.32/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Looking at the part-time and per-diem earning potential, those who engage in per-diem work in Lakewood typically charge between $50 and $80 per hour, with specialized consultants in sports nutrition earning upwards of $150 per hour. This dynamic allows registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to choose between agency roles and cash-pay private practice, with some opting for the security of employment with benefits, while others pursue higher hourly wages at the cost of traditional job security. Moreover, while hourly rates vary widely depending on the employer type, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or corporate wellness programs, it’s essential for professionals in the area to understand their unique worth and practice negotiation techniques specific to hourly workers. As the credentialing landscape evolves with a shift towards requiring a master’s degree by 2024 per CDR standards, the growth of cash-pay private practice models further diversifies income opportunities for RDNs in Lakewood, NJ.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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