Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Cranston, RI: $37.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Cranston, RI runs $37.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Cranston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,823 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dietitians and nutritionists in Cranston, RI can anticipate a median hourly pay of $37.52 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $38.16. For those looking to work part-time, say three days a week, this translates to about $1,200 monthly, which can help cover living expenses while providing a flexible schedule. Per-diem roles often take place in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools, where hourly rates can vary, typically ranging from $25.03 for entry-level positions to $52.31 for top earners. This hourly rate structure allows professionals to align their work commitments based on lifestyle preferences and financial needs, catering to both traditional employment and flexible per diem opportunities.
About the Cranston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.03 | $200.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.39 | $251.11 |
| Median (P50) | $37.52 | $300.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.98 | $359.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.31 | $418.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cranston
Based on $37.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.52/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cranston, RI can expect to earn approximately $78,038 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,022. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cranston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cranston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,500.73 | $6,503 | $78,038 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $900.44 | $3,902 | $46,823 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.29 | $2,601 | $31,215 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Cranston) | $37.52 |
| 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 Cranston, RI earn a median of $78,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $79,789.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.52/hr = $46,823/year (purchasing power: $46,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,038/year (purchasing power: $77,650).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cranston grew 24.7% from $28.96/hr (2019) to $36.11/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.98/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 Cranston 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 Cranston
Shifting focus to earning strategies, a dietitian working part-time at 24 hours a week could bring home approximately $45,900 annually, compared to full-time colleagues earning closer to $78,034 per year. For dietitians and nutritionists in Cranston, taking on per diem or agency roles presents lucrative options, with hourly billing rates between $50 and $80 common. Specialized services, especially in sports nutrition consulting, can command even higher fees, often ranging from $80 to $150 per hour, and cash-pay private practices might charge clients $150 to $300 for a 60-minute session. The variety of employer types—hospitals, long-term care facilities, private practices, and corporate wellness programs—offers diverse hourly earnings. While some professionals may opt for lower hourly pay to secure health benefits, others choose higher compensation with no insurance. When negotiating pay, it's advantageous to be aware of market rates and the specific value of specialized skills, ensuring that you receive compensation that reflects your experience and expertise in the dynamic field of nutrition.
More salary data for Cranston, RI:
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 Cranston. 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 Cranston 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