Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $35.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Cleveland, OH runs $35.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,411 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Cleveland, Ohio, can expect a median hourly rate of $35.59 in 2026. This figure is notably below the national median hourly rate of $38.16, suggesting a more competitive market for these professionals elsewhere in the country. For those considering part-time work, such as three-day-a-week positions, this hourly pay translates to $28,078 annually, which reflects a steady income while allowing for flexibility in other pursuits. Per-diem workers, often operating in varied settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practice, can earn from $18.40 at the entry level up to $47.15 for top earners in the field. Cleveland's dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay showcases both the challenges and opportunities within the region's healthcare landscape, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.40 | $147.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.92 | $247.37 |
| Median (P50) | $35.59 | $284.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.25 | $314.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.15 | $377.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $35.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.59/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $74,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,703. With a cost-of-living index of 93.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,423.43 | $6,168 | $74,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $854.06 | $3,701 | $44,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.37 | $2,467 | $29,607 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Cleveland) | $35.59 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $74,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.75% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.60% above the Ohio state average of $73,577.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.59/hr = $44,411/year (purchasing power: $47,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,018/year (purchasing power: $78,807).
CoL index: 93.923 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cleveland grew 22.4% from $27.99/hr (2019) to $34.25/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.97/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time dietitians and nutritionists reveals significant differences compared to full-time work. A professional working just 24 hours a week may have a more manageable schedule, but their overall take-home pay is significantly reduced, making it essential to pursue additional opportunities like per-diem or agency roles. These positions often allow for billing rates between $50 and $80 per hour, with niche areas such as sports nutrition commanding rates from $80 to $150. In Cleveland, hourly compensation can vary substantially based on employer type; those in clinical settings may see lower wages compared to private practice consultants who can charge cash rates from $150 to $300 per session. Thus, while some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, others might choose the independence and potentially higher pay associated with freelance work. Negotiating effectively remains a vital skill, particularly in balancing compensation with the security of healthcare benefits.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cleveland in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Cleveland?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Cleveland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Cleveland?
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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 Cleveland. 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