Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Hickory, NC: $32.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Hickory, NC runs $32.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,974 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Hickory's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.5, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,184 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hickory, North Carolina, the 2026 estimated median hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists stands at $32.20. Compared to the national median of $38.16 an hour, this reflects a notable difference that could impact local professionals. The local hourly range starts at $23.22 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $39.92 for experienced dietitians and nutritionists in the top percentile. For those seeking part-time work—such as working three days a week—this hourly rate can translate into various employment settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and private practice. With the increasing flexibility in work arrangements, part-time and per-diem roles are becoming more appealing, allowing registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to fit work into their schedules while still earning competitive rates, even if below the national average. The data presented is based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections, updated for 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.22 | $185.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.85 | $230.82 |
| Median (P50) | $32.20 | $257.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.24 | $297.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.92 | $319.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hickory
Based on $32.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.20/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hickory, NC can expect to earn approximately $66,973 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,638. With a cost-of-living index of 88.49 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hickory.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hickory
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,287.94 | $5,581 | $66,973 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.77 | $3,349 | $40,184 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.18 | $2,232 | $26,789 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Hickory) | $32.20 |
| 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 Hickory, NC earn a median of $66,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.63% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.20% below the North Carolina state average of $69,910.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.20/hr = $40,184/year (purchasing power: $45,413).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,973/year (purchasing power: $75,688).
CoL index: 88.486 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hickory (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hickory grew 17.3% from $26.42/hr (2019) to $30.99/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.45/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 Hickory 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 Hickory
While the median hourly rate may seem lower than the national average, part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Hickory can earn a respectable income without the commitment of a full-time role. For example, a part-time worker putting in 24 hours a week could take home nearly $40,000 annually, significantly less than what full-time professionals might earn but still competitive given the local cost of living. Moreover, many RDNs opt for per-diem roles or work as independent contractors, where per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Hickory can range dramatically, with rates of $50 to $80 per hour for general consultations and even higher for specialized services like sports nutrition. This variability means that hourly earnings can depend heavily on the setting, with corporate wellness and private practice often commanding higher fees. Factors such as health insurance benefits versus higher pay without benefits can also influence decisions. When negotiating pay, RDNs in Hickory should consider the full scope of their compensation package, including potential for growth within hospital systems versus the freedom of cash-pay private practice, especially as the trend towards intuitive eating and patient-led care continues to grow.
More salary data for Hickory, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hickory in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Hickory?
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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 Hickory. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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