Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Garner, NC: $32.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Garner, NC runs $32.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,051 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Garner's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Garner, NC, stands at $32.24, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This wage reflects the annual earning potential for both full-time and part-time roles across various settings, including outpatient counseling rooms, clinical nutrition consultations in hospitals, and WIC offices. For those working part-time, such as a dietitian committing to three days a week, this rate offers adequate financial support while allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic. The hourly range spans from $22.08 for entry-level positions to a top earners' rate of $43.74, indicating a potential career growth opportunity as professionals gain experience and specialization within the field.
About the Garner 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) | $22.08 | $176.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.42 | $219.35 |
| Median (P50) | $32.24 | $257.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.05 | $304.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.74 | $349.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garner
Based on $32.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.24/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garner, NC can expect to earn approximately $67,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,688. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,289.61 | $5,588 | $67,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.76 | $3,353 | $40,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.84 | $2,235 | $26,824 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Garner) | $32.24 |
| 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 Garner, NC earn a median of $67,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.53% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $69,917.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.24/hr = $40,236/year (purchasing power: $42,987).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,060/year (purchasing power: $71,645).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Garner grew 24.7% from $24.88/hr (2019) to $31.03/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.50/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 Garner 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 Garner
Examining the per-diêm reality in Garner, many registered dietitian nutritionists find that their earning potential varies widely depending on their employment structure and setting. Those who opt for per-diem work can often command rates between $50-$80 per hour, particularly in high-demand roles such as sports nutrition consulting where fees can reach $80-$150 per hour. Conversely, private practice dietitians may charge $150-$300 for a 60-minute session, particularly when utilizing cash-pay models that have surged in popularity. Employment at institutions like hospitals or long-term care facilities typically offers a steadier income with benefits, yet some dietitians are willing to accept reduced hourly rates for job stability. Negotiation strategies are essential, especially for hourly workers looking to maximize their pay while assessing the value of benefits they may forgo. In this dynamic field, understanding the full spectrum of dietitian and nutritionist hourly rates in Garner is crucial for making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Garner, NC:
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 Garner. 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 Garner 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