Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Watertown, NY: $38.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Watertown, NY runs $38.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,366 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Watertown, NY, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median of $38.75, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $38.16. This pay scale reflects the realities for dietitians and nutritionists working in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and educational environments. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the financial outlook is particularly appealing, with the flexibility to balance personal commitments while still earning a competitive hourly rate. The hourly range in Watertown varies widely, from $25.64 for entry-level positions to $49.96 for experienced practitioners in high-demand roles. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, showcase the varied opportunities available in a city where the dietetics profession is gaining traction.
About the Watertown 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) | $25.64 | $205.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.32 | $250.52 |
| Median (P50) | $38.75 | $310.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.15 | $353.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.96 | $399.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $38.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.75/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, NY can expect to earn approximately $80,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,506. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,550.19 | $6,717 | $80,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $930.11 | $4,030 | $48,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $620.08 | $2,687 | $32,244 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Watertown) | $38.75 |
| 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 Watertown, NY earn a median of $80,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.54% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.80% below the New York state average of $81,250.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.75/hr = $48,366/year (purchasing power: $41,731).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,610/year (purchasing power: $69,551).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Watertown grew 24.7% from $29.91/hr (2019) to $37.30/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.27/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Shifting focus to part-time earnings, a dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours a week in Watertown could potentially take home around $45,120 annually, which is significantly less than what a full-time counterpoint earns but still offers a steady income for those seeking flexibility. Per diem dietitians frequently find themselves earning between $50-$80 an hour, especially in agency roles or specialized areas like sports nutrition, where consulting rates can soar to $150 an hour or more. Hourly rates also vary based on employer type; professionals in hospital departments may earn differently than those in long-term care or private practice settings, where cash-pay models are increasingly popular. This trend can present challenges as some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others might negotiate higher pay for the independence of freelance work. Understanding these dynamics is key for dietitians and nutritionists navigating their careers in Watertown, NY, especially as the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Watertown, NY:
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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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