Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $31.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Wilmington, NC runs $31.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,706 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.01, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $38.16. This disparity highlights the region's unique economic environment and the demand for nutrition professionals. For part-time workers engaging in settings like outpatient clinics or weight management programs, earning this wage can translate to a solid income, particularly if they are employed three days a week. At the lower end of the scale, entry-level practitioners might earn around $19.42 per hour, whereas experienced professionals can command rates as high as $39.31. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that dietitians and nutritionists in Wilmington have a diverse range of work environments, including hospitals, schools, and private practices, each offering different pay structures that can influence an individual’s overall earnings.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.42 | $155.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.42 | $155.35 |
| Median (P50) | $31.01 | $248.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.81 | $294.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.31 | $314.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $31.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.01/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $64,509 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,217. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,240.57 | $5,376 | $64,509 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.34 | $3,225 | $38,706 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.23 | $2,150 | $25,804 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Wilmington) | $31.01 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $64,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.74% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.70% below the North Carolina state average of $69,882.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.01/hr = $38,706/year (purchasing power: $40,142).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,509/year (purchasing power: $66,903).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Wilmington grew -3.2% from $30.83/hr (2019) to $29.85/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.22/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Considering part-time dietitians and nutritionists working approximately 24 hours a week, their annual take-home might be around $38,799, which represents a substantial income for someone pursuing a flexible career in health and nutrition. For those opting for per diem opportunities, the pay can range significantly; registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) often charge between $50 and $80 hourly for agency work, while specialized areas such as sports nutrition consulting can see rates soar to $150 per hour. The variables in hourly pay across different employment settings in Wilmington reflect the industry's complexities, with hospitals likely providing more stability and benefits, whereas private practice may offer higher earnings without benefits. For professionals seeking to maximize their hourly rates, understanding market demand and honing negotiation skills become essential elements of their career strategy. With the impending transition to a master's degree requirement for new RDNs by 2024, ongoing education in areas like cash-pay models and specialty consulting will be critical for those looking to thrive in today's market.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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