Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $43.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Paterson, NJ runs $43.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,381 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,823 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, NJ, dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $43.93 in 2026, significantly exceeding the national median of $38.16 per hour. This premium is reflective of the area's higher cost of living, offering competitive wages that benefit both full-time and part-time professionals. For those seeking part-time positions—working three days a week or 24 hours—the effective hourly pay still remains substantial, allowing for a comfortable income. Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists (RDNs) can expect hourly earnings ranging from $28.82 for entry-level roles to as high as $61.08 for experienced practitioners in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. The salary range for this profession in Paterson aligns with the growing demand for nutrition services and specializations like sports nutrition and outpatient counseling.
About the Paterson 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) | $28.82 | $230.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.46 | $291.67 |
| Median (P50) | $43.93 | $351.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.20 | $425.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.08 | $488.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $43.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.93/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $91,372 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,715. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,757.16 | $7,614 | $91,372 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,054.29 | $4,569 | $54,823 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $702.86 | $3,046 | $36,549 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Paterson) | $43.93 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $91,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $91,473.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.93/hr = $54,823/year (purchasing power: $47,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,372/year (purchasing power: $79,316).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Paterson grew 24.7% from $33.91/hr (2019) to $42.28/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.64/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
For those considering part-time roles, the potential earnings of a 3-day workweek can provide a lucrative income while offering flexibility. Annually, a dietitian or nutritionist in this situation may take home less than their full-time counterparts, but they still enjoy a respectable paycheck. Per diem and agency positions can offer even higher pay, with billing rates commonly ranging from $50 to $80 per hour. Specialized areas such as sports nutrition consulting could command rates between $80 and $150 per hour, while cash-pay practices may see fees of $150 to $300 per session. In Paterson, hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the work setting—hospital roles often come with benefits that can justify lower pay, while private practice opportunities may yield higher rates without additional perks. For those negotiating their pay, it’s essential to consider the trade-offs between higher hourly rates and the stability of benefits typically offered in full-time roles. Understanding these dynamics will aid dietitians and nutritionists in making informed career choices within Paterson’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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