Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Burlington, NC: $32.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Burlington, NC runs $32.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,477 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,092 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $32.93 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This gap is significant for individuals choosing to work part-time or on a per-diem basis in various typical settings, such as hospital clinical nutrition consultations, outpatient counseling, and long-term care facilities. For part-time workers, typically clocking in about three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a unique earning opportunity that can vary based on work settings. The hourly range for these professionals runs from $21.91 for entry-level to $46.09 for those at the top of the pay scale, indicating that as professionals gain experience and specialize, their earning potential also increases significantly.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.91 | $175.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.61 | $220.85 |
| Median (P50) | $32.93 | $263.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.48 | $315.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.09 | $368.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $32.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.93/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, NC can expect to earn approximately $68,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,511. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,317.04 | $5,707 | $68,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $790.22 | $3,424 | $41,092 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.81 | $2,283 | $27,394 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Burlington) | $32.93 |
| 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 Burlington, NC earn a median of $68,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.74% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.00% below the North Carolina state average of $69,875.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.93/hr = $41,092/year (purchasing power: $43,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,486/year (purchasing power: $73,169).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Burlington grew 24.7% from $25.41/hr (2019) to $31.69/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.21/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
For those opting for flexible work arrangements, such as per-diem or agency roles, the remuneration landscape can shift dramatically. Per-diem dietitians and nutritionists often bill between $50 and $80 per hour, while specialized areas like sports nutrition consulting can fetch rates as high as $150 per hour. This variation highlights the potential for higher earnings compared to hourly positions within traditional healthcare settings. In Burlington, dietitians working for hospitals or public health clinics may earn less, while those in private practice benefit from the rising trend of cash-pay models, with rates reaching $150 to $300 for an hour-long consultation. Navigating this space requires a nuanced understanding of market demands, as professionals may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For optimal negotiation, consider emphasizing your unique qualifications, especially as the RDN credential transitions to requiring a master's degree by 2024.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Burlington?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Burlington?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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