Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Tahlequah, OK: $32.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Tahlequah, OK runs $32.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Tahlequah's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,651 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tahlequah, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is positioned at a median rate of $32.57, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16. This pay structure impacts part-time workers who typically engage in roles across various health settings, such as hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds, outpatient counseling rooms, and school district kitchens. For someone working three days a week, these hourly rates can translate to a flexible income that suits their lifestyle, while the range from $22.18 for entry-level positions to $40.62 for top earners reflects the varying experience and specializations within the field. The estimated figures are derived from annual salary data, giving a comprehensive view of earning potential across different employment contexts in Tahlequah, OK.
About the Tahlequah Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.18 | $177.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.43 | $219.44 |
| Median (P50) | $32.57 | $260.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.18 | $297.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.62 | $325.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tahlequah
Based on $32.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.57/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tahlequah, OK can expect to earn approximately $67,751 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,087. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tahlequah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tahlequah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,302.91 | $5,646 | $67,751 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $781.74 | $3,388 | $40,651 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $521.16 | $2,258 | $27,100 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Tahlequah) | $32.57 |
| 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 Tahlequah, OK earn a median of $67,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.00% below the Oklahoma state average of $70,566.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.57/hr = $40,651/year (purchasing power: $45,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,751/year (purchasing power: $76,210).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Tahlequah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tahlequah grew 24.7% from $25.14/hr (2019) to $31.35/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.84/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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah
Evaluating the earning opportunities in Tahlequah reveals varied prospects for dietitians and nutritionists, especially for those considering part-time roles. A dietitian working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can take home significantly less annually compared to a full-time colleague, influencing their decisions regarding flexibility versus income. Per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in the area can range from $50-$80 per hour for agency positions or locum roles, while specialized consulting in sports nutrition could command $80-$150 hourly, and private practice RDNs often charge between $150 to $300 for direct-pays. Employment settings play a crucial role in determining hourly rates; hospitals tend to offer stability and benefits at a lower hourly rate, whereas private practices might offer higher pay without the security of health benefits. For established RDNs, negotiating higher hourly rates, particularly in the current cash-pay practice trend, can be a strategic move, especially given the rising demand for intuitive eating and HAES models in the nutrition field.
More salary data for Tahlequah, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tahlequah in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Tahlequah?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Tahlequah paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Tahlequah?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Tahlequah?
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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 Tahlequah. 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 Tahlequah 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