Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Middletown, NJ: $43.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Middletown, NJ runs $43.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,019 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Middletown, New Jersey, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $43.28 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $38.16. This higher wage reflects the increasing demand for qualified professionals in various environments such as hospital clinical nutrition consults, outpatient clinics, and even private virtual telehealth practices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can provide substantial income advantages, particularly in settings where nutrition guidance is crucial, like school districts and community health offices. Entry-level positions may earn around $29.31 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach $56.69 per hour, highlighting a lucrative path for those entering the field in Middletown.
About the Middletown 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) | $29.31 | $234.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.54 | $292.33 |
| Median (P50) | $43.28 | $346.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.56 | $396.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.69 | $453.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $43.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.28/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NJ can expect to earn approximately $90,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,942. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,731.39 | $7,503 | $90,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,038.83 | $4,502 | $54,019 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.56 | $3,001 | $36,013 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Middletown) | $43.28 |
| 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 Middletown, NJ earn a median of $90,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 1.60% below the New Jersey state average of $91,491.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.28/hr = $54,019/year (purchasing power: $46,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,032/year (purchasing power: $78,153).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Middletown grew 24.7% from $33.41/hr (2019) to $41.66/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.97/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
In terms of part-time earnings, a dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours a week could take home about $53,000 annually, compared to full-time earnings which could exceed $90,000. Many RDNs earn significantly more as per-diem professionals, where billing rates can range from $50 to $80 per hour, particularly in specialized fields like sports nutrition, where rates increase to between $80 to $150 per hour. Depending on the employer type—such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or corporate wellness programs—the hourly rates can vary. Some may opt for lower-paying roles for the benefits offered, while others pursue higher hourly pay without benefits through private practices. In Middletown, effective negotiation can align expectations, whether securing a position in the nutrition department of a healthcare facility or consulting on a cash-pay basis, reflecting the evolving nature of the dietitian and nutritionist profession.
More salary data for Middletown, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Middletown in 2026?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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