Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $35.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Cortland, NY runs $35.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,904 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Cortland, NY, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $35.98, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This setting can afford part-time and per-diem workers flexibility, especially in diverse locations such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practice. For those working approximately three days a week, the hourly rate provides an income that can support a balanced income versus a full-time schedule. The hourly rates for these professionals range from $25.01 at the entry-level up to $45.44 for the most experienced in the field, illustrating the potential for growth and financial success throughout their careers in Cortland.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.01 | $200.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.67 | $245.37 |
| Median (P50) | $35.98 | $287.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.41 | $331.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.44 | $363.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $35.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.98/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $74,840 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,177. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,439.22 | $6,237 | $74,840 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $863.53 | $3,742 | $44,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.69 | $2,495 | $29,936 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Cortland) | $35.98 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $74,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.72% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $81,257.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.98/hr = $44,904/year (purchasing power: $38,744).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,840/year (purchasing power: $64,573).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cortland grew 24.7% from $27.77/hr (2019) to $34.63/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.38/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
Exploring the income landscape further, a part-time dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours a week could see a significant annual income that differs from that of full-timers. Meanwhile, per-diem dietitians often command higher hourly rates between $50 and $80, with specialized sports nutrition consultants charging from $80 to $150 per hour. Rates may fluctuate depending on the employer type; for instance, those in corporate wellness programs or cash-pay private practice may charge significantly more, recognizing the growing trend for intuitive eating or HAES models. Moreover, professionals sometimes face a trade-off between accepting lower hourly wages that come with benefits versus higher pay without. For effective negotiation regarding hourly rates in Cortland, knowing the local market and understanding the value of one's expertise could empower dietitians and nutritionists in this evolving field.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cortland in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Cortland?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Cortland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Cortland?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Cortland?
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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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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