Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $37.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Bismarck, ND runs $37.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,808 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,290 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Bismarck, ND, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $37.89, slightly below the national average of $38.16. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this translates into considerable earnings even while enjoying a flexible schedule. Depending on their setting—be it hospital nutrition consult rounds, outpatient counseling, or private practice—hourly wages can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $30.99 and experienced professionals reaching up to $42.51. This official BLS data from 2025, projected to 2026, highlights the diverse opportunities available for dietitians and nutritionists in Bismarck, enabling them to find suitable employment tailored to their expertise and desired work-life balance.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.99 | $247.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.38 | $251.02 |
| Median (P50) | $37.89 | $303.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.44 | $307.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.51 | $340.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $37.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.89/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $78,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,471. With a cost-of-living index of 91.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,515.69 | $6,568 | $78,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $909.42 | $3,941 | $47,290 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.28 | $2,627 | $31,526 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Bismarck) | $37.89 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $78,808 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.72% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.90% above the North Dakota state average of $73,038.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.89/hr = $47,290/year (purchasing power: $51,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,816/year (purchasing power: $86,588).
CoL index: 91.024 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Bismarck grew 29.8% from $28.09/hr (2019) to $36.47/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.37/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Among the various job opportunities, part-time dietitians and nutritionists working 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings that differ from those in full-time roles. While a full-time position provides stable income, part-time professionals may focus on freelance or per-diem work, which often allows for higher earning potential. Per diem or locum dietitian and nutritionist pay in Bismarck frequently ranges from $50 to $80 per hour, while those in specialized fields like sports nutrition may charge $80 to $150 for their services. Furthermore, cash-pay private practice RDNs can command up to $300 for a one-hour session. Employers, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and wellness programs, present varying salary structures, with many professionals weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security of health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market trends and employer compensation packages is essential.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 Bismarck. 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