Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $38.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Charleston, SC runs $38.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,718 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, SC, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $38.24 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $38.16. This competitive rate presents a strong opportunity for those pursuing part-time work or per-diem positions within various clinical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and even private telehealth practices. For individuals working three days a week, often totaling around 24 hours, this hourly pay can facilitate a solid financial foundation, especially when considering the diverse environments in which dietitians and nutritionists operate. The range for hourly pay extends from $19.98 for entry-level positions up to $50.38 for top earners, reflecting the breadth of experience and specialization within this profession.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.98 | $159.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.28 | $250.27 |
| Median (P50) | $38.24 | $305.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.22 | $329.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.38 | $403.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $38.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.24/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $79,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,882. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,529.41 | $6,627 | $79,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $917.64 | $3,976 | $47,718 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.76 | $2,651 | $31,812 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Charleston) | $38.24 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $79,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.20% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 12.40% above the South Carolina state average of $70,761.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.24/hr = $47,718/year (purchasing power: $47,263).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,529/year (purchasing power: $78,771).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Charleston grew 37.4% from $26.78/hr (2019) to $36.80/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.73/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
For those contemplating part-time roles, working just three days a week can yield an annual income that may equate to a full-time salary of $79,535, which is particularly appealing for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) balancing various commitments. Per-diem or agency work often allows for more lucrative earnings, as these professionals can charge upwards of $50-$80 per hour, with specialized consulting rates reaching between $80 and $150 per hour, particularly in sports nutrition. However, the tangible benefits that come with traditional employment—such as health insurance and retirement contributions—can lead some to prefer lower hourly wages in stable positions. Understanding employer type is crucial, as hourly rates can vary significantly between hospitals, schools, and corporate wellness initiatives. For those negotiating salaries in Charleston, demonstrating your RDN credential and specialization can prove beneficial, providing leverage in discussions about hourly rates, especially in a competitive market where cash-pay private practices are flourishing.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Charleston in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Charleston. 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