Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $41.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Trenton, NJ runs $41.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,328 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,399 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Trenton, NJ, earn a median hourly wage of $41.99, which surpasses the national median of $38.16. This higher hourly rate reflects the demand for these professionals in various environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. A part-time dietitian working three days a week could expect to earn a significant income, providing options for those who prefer flexible schedules. The hourly earnings can range broadly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $30.80, while top earners within the field can make up to $51.81 per hour. For workers conducting consultations in school districts, long-term care facilities, or through telehealth services, this hourly pay offers a stable foundation in various dietary environments, according to official BLS data projected for 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.80 | $246.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.14 | $297.15 |
| Median (P50) | $41.99 | $335.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.38 | $379.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.81 | $414.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $41.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.99/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $87,331 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,383. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,679.44 | $7,278 | $87,331 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,007.66 | $4,367 | $52,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $671.78 | $2,911 | $34,932 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Trenton) | $41.99 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $87,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.01% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 4.50% below the New Jersey state average of $91,443.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.99/hr = $52,399/year (purchasing power: $50,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,331/year (purchasing power: $84,639).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Trenton grew 20.9% from $33.42/hr (2019) to $40.41/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.62/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
Exploring the financial potential reveals noteworthy insights about part-time earnings and per-diem opportunities. A dietitian and nutritionist working a typical 24-hour week will take home about $65,900 annually, while full-time professionals can expect considerably higher yearly totals. The per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Trenton typically ranges from $50 to $80 per hour, with specialized consulting for sports nutrition sometimes reaching between $80 to $150 per hour. Moreover, cash-pay private practitioners can charge between $150 to $300 for a single session. Variability in hourly rates often depends on the employer type; for example, clinical settings might pay less per hour compared to private practice roles that offer greater earning potential but lack benefits. Nutrition professionals must balance hourly rates with job stability and health insurance options, often negotiating their rates based on their work structure, preferred locations, and available benefits.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Trenton?
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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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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