Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $33.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Jacksonville, NC runs $33.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,142 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Jacksonville, NC, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $33.77 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This discrepancy can impact those seeking part-time positions or per-diem opportunities, which are common in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities. For instance, working three days a week could yield a substantial income while also allowing for flexibility, appealing to many new graduates navigating the job market. Entry-level professionals can expect to start at around $21.29 per hour, while those with more experience or specialization may reach up to $44.39 per hour. Understanding this range is vital for prospective RDNs who aspire to leverage various work environments, from school districts to private practice and virtual telehealth offices.
About the Jacksonville 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) | $21.29 | $170.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.32 | $218.52 |
| Median (P50) | $33.77 | $270.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.77 | $310.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.39 | $355.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $33.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.77/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, NC can expect to earn approximately $70,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,521. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,350.70 | $5,853 | $70,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $810.42 | $3,512 | $42,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.28 | $2,341 | $28,095 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Jacksonville) | $33.77 |
| 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 Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $70,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.52% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $69,889.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.77/hr = $42,142/year (purchasing power: $45,023).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,236/year (purchasing power: $75,039).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Jacksonville grew 24.7% from $26.06/hr (2019) to $32.50/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.08/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists, working around 24 hours weekly, could expect an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts; however, their flexibility often compensates for this in lifestyle benefits. Additionally, those who opt for per-diem or agency roles often encounter pay rates between $50 and $80 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas such as sports nutrition consulting, where fees can escalate to $150 per hour. In Jacksonville, employers range from clinical nutrition departments in hospitals to private practices, each presenting different hourly compensations. Many dietitians must balance the trade-offs between accepting lower rates that come with benefits versus pursuing higher pay without such security. Negotiation strategies are essential for hourly workers in this environment; articulating one's unique qualifications and staying informed about local pay trends can enhance their earning potential in the competitive market for dietitian and nutritionist hourly rates within NC.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Jacksonville?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Jacksonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Jacksonville?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Jacksonville?
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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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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