Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Gallup, NM: $33.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Gallup, NM runs $33.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Gallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gallup, New Mexico, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach $33.50 in 2026, reflecting a competitive compensation level compared to the national hourly median of $38.16. For practitioners engaging in part-time work, perhaps three days a week, this translates to a significant income that supports a flexible lifestyle while providing essential services across various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community nutrition programs. Entry-level dietitians and nutritionists can expect to earn around $23.82 hourly, while those at the higher end of the pay spectrum may make up to $42.90. This range makes the profession an attractive option for both full-time professionals and those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities in a city with a lower-than-average cost of living index of 94.4.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.82 | $190.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.95 | $231.57 |
| Median (P50) | $33.50 | $267.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.92 | $311.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.90 | $343.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallup
Based on $33.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.50/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallup, NM can expect to earn approximately $69,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,197. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,339.89 | $5,806 | $69,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $803.94 | $3,484 | $41,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $535.96 | $2,322 | $27,870 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Gallup) | $33.50 |
| 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 Gallup, NM earn a median of $69,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $74,913.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.50/hr = $41,805/year (purchasing power: $44,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,675/year (purchasing power: $73,808).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Gallup grew 24.7% from $25.86/hr (2019) to $32.24/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.80/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 Gallup 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 Gallup
Aside from traditional hourly roles, many in this field are exploring per diem and locum tenens positions, which often allow for higher billing rates. For example, per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Gallup can see rates from $50 to $80 per hour, depending on specialization. When working with athletic organizations in sports nutrition, professionals can command rates between $80 and $150 per hour. Those venturing into cash-pay private practice may charge between $150 and $300 for a 60-minute client session. It's essential to recognize that hourly variations can further stem from differences in employer types, such as hospitals versus food industry roles. While some dietitians may accept lower wages for the sake of job security and benefits, others may prefer higher pay without traditional benefits in settings like corporate wellness and private practice. Prospective workers should consider negotiating terms effectively, emphasizing the value they bring and, ideally, aligning with the growing trend of cash-pay models that enhance their earnings potential.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Gallup in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Gallup?
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Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Gallup?
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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 Gallup. 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 Gallup 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