Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Pinehurst, NC: $31.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Pinehurst, NC runs $31.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Pinehurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,874 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pinehurst, the 2026 projected dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at $31.15, which falls below the national average of $38.16. This median hourly rate provides a significant perspective for part-time practitioners who might work three days a week, potentially earning approximately $1,493 monthly based on a 24-hour workweek. These professionals often find themselves in diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports nutrition consulting, and private practices. With an hourly range extending from $21.86 for entry-level positions to $39.71 for top earners, the pay reflects both the competition within the field and the local cost of living index, which is notably lower than the national average at 93.6. The estimated hourly rates are derived from broader annual salary figures, offering a glimpse into the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists in this North Carolina community.
About the Pinehurst 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) | $21.86 | $174.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.80 | $214.37 |
| Median (P50) | $31.15 | $249.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.42 | $283.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.71 | $317.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pinehurst
Based on $31.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.15/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pinehurst, NC can expect to earn approximately $64,790 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,379. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pinehurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pinehurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.97 | $5,399 | $64,790 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.58 | $3,240 | $38,874 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.39 | $2,160 | $25,916 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Pinehurst) | $31.15 |
| 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 Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $64,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.39% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.30% below the North Carolina state average of $69,884.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.15/hr = $38,874/year (purchasing power: $41,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,790/year (purchasing power: $69,220).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Pinehurst grew 24.7% from $24.04/hr (2019) to $29.98/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.36/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 Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst
Transitioning to the specifics of earning potential, a part-time dietitian working 24 hours weekly would take home around $35,556 annually, a modest sum compared to the earnings of full-time practitioners. Some registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) may opt for per-diem or agency roles, often commanding rates between $50-$80 per hour, with specialized fields such as sports nutrition potentially yielding up to $150 per hour. Additionally, cash-pay private practice RDNs can charge $150-$300 for a 60-minute consultation, which highlights a lucrative opportunity outside of traditional settings. Hourly pay can vary widely among employer types in Pinehurst, with hospital environments typically offering lower compensation than private practices that do not provide benefits. This trade-off prompts many to weigh the value of consistent health insurance against higher hourly pay without benefits. For those navigating their career paths, practical negotiation strategies are essential; understanding the specifics of employer expectations and the local market can empower professionals to secure favorable compensation.
More salary data for Pinehurst, 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 Pinehurst. 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 Pinehurst 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