Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Reading, PA: $35.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Reading, PA runs $35.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,268 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Reading's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,567 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reading, Pennsylvania, professionals in the dietitian and nutritionist field can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $35.71. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $38.16, reflecting local market conditions. Those working part-time, such as in hospital clinical nutrition settings or outpatient clinics, can earn a substantial income even while only committed to three days a week. Entry-level dietitians and nutritionists may find starting pay around $20.41 per hour, while experienced professionals, particularly those in specialized roles like sports nutrition or private practice, can reach up to $45.67 per hour. This hourly data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrates the diverse earning potential within the profession throughout Reading.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.41 | $163.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.33 | $210.63 |
| Median (P50) | $35.71 | $285.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.75 | $333.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.67 | $365.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reading
Based on $35.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.71/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reading, PA can expect to earn approximately $74,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,853. With a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Reading.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reading
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,428.42 | $6,190 | $74,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.05 | $3,714 | $44,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.37 | $2,476 | $29,711 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Reading) | $35.71 |
| 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 Reading, PA earn a median of $74,268 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.44% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 8.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $68,703.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.71/hr = $44,567/year (purchasing power: $45,917).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,278/year (purchasing power: $76,528).
CoL index: 97.06 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Reading grew 10.3% from $31.15/hr (2019) to $34.37/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.10/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 Reading 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 Reading
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists working an average of 24 hours per week could take home around $44,571 annually, a figure that compares favorably to many full-time roles. However, per diem work offers lucrative options, with per diem dietitians and nutritionists often charging between $50-$80 per hour while also having the flexibility to manage their schedules. Specialty areas like sports nutrition consulting can demand rates as high as $150 per session, making targeted advice a lucrative venture. In Reading, the hourly compensation can vary widely among employer types, as clinical settings might offer more stability but lower hourly rates, whereas private practice may allow for higher charges without benefits. When negotiating pay, candidates should highlight their credentials, especially with the industry's transition to requiring a master's degree by 2024, strengthening the case for higher compensation in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Reading in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Reading?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Reading paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Reading?
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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 Reading. 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