Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $35.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Lancaster, OH runs $35.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,049 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,828 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Lancaster, Ohio, is projected to be a median of $35.12 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $38.16. This rate presents a feasible earning opportunity for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, allowing them to engage in clinical nutrition consults, work in school district kitchens, or provide outpatient counseling. For individuals working three days a week, the hourly pay translates to a manageable income, with entry-level positions starting at $23.34 and experienced professionals earning up to $46.63. The variability in pay reflects the diverse settings and demands of the role, opening pathways for various career trajectories within both clinical and community nutrition landscapes.
About the Lancaster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.34 | $186.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.23 | $233.82 |
| Median (P50) | $35.12 | $280.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.83 | $326.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.63 | $373.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $35.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.12/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $73,046 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,142. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.73 | $6,087 | $73,046 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.84 | $3,652 | $43,828 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.89 | $2,435 | $29,218 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Lancaster) | $35.12 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $73,049 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.98% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $73,564.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.12/hr = $43,828/year (purchasing power: $48,321).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,046/year (purchasing power: $80,536).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lancaster grew 24.7% from $27.11/hr (2019) to $33.80/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.49/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
While the hourly pay may seem modest compared to national figures, the potential for part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Lancaster can yield significant income over time. A dietitian working 24 hours a week, or three days a week, may realize a total gross income that exceeds higher salaries in full-time positions, especially when combining earnings with per-diem work. Freelance professionals often charge between $50 and $150 hourly, particularly in sports nutrition or private practice settings, representing a lucrative aspect of the field. Employers in Lancaster vary widely in their compensation structures, impacting pay rates across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health clinics. Many professionals may opt for lower hourly wages for the benefits of stable employment, while those looking for flexibility might negotiate higher rates without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can be beneficial for new or seasoned dietitians and nutritionists aiming for the most favorable positions in Lancaster.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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