Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $36.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Providence, RI runs $36.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,033 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Providence, Rhode Island, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach $36.08 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $38.16. This hourly rate makes it feasible for professionals in this field to pursue part-time work, for example, a dietitian working three days a week can effectively plan their schedule around various settings, such as outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and schools. The hourly range for dietitians and nutritionists in this area spans from $26.46 at the 10th percentile to $50.36 for top earners, allowing for flexibility in setting their hours and clients while accommodating unique dietary needs across different populations. This information is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reflecting the expected economic conditions for these professionals by 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.46 | $211.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.01 | $264.07 |
| Median (P50) | $36.08 | $288.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.02 | $344.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.36 | $402.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $36.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.08/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $75,056 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,301. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,443.38 | $6,255 | $75,056 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $866.03 | $3,753 | $45,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $577.35 | $2,502 | $30,022 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Providence) | $36.08 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $75,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $79,752.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.08/hr = $45,033/year (purchasing power: $44,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,056/year (purchasing power: $73,748).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Providence grew 14.9% from $30.23/hr (2019) to $34.73/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.49/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 Providence 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 Providence
When considering part-time earning potential in Providence, a dietitian or nutritionist working 24 hours a week at the median rate can expect to earn around $45,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts earning significantly more. Many professionals are drawn to per diem opportunities or agency work, where the per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay can range from $50 to $80 per hour, with specialized fields like sports nutrition offering rates as high as $150 per hour. Hourly rates can vary considerably across employer types; for instance, hospital settings may provide a different wage environment compared to cash-pay private practices or corporate wellness programs. While some dietitians opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include benefits, others seeking higher pay might prioritize hourly wages over health insurance. Those negotiating hourly pay in Providence should consider the full spectrum of practice settings and demonstrate their unique skills to command competitive rates.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Providence in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Providence?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Providence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Providence?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Providence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 Providence. 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