Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $32.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Lexington, SC runs $32.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,813 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,093 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Lexington, SC, earn a median hourly rate of $32.13. This figure is notably below the national median of $38.16 an hour, indicating unique local factors at play. For professionals working part-time, such as those in outpatient clinic settings or school district programs, this hourly rate translates to a different financial reality. Part-time workers typically schedule three days a week, allowing them to earn about $25,000 annually, assuming 24 hours a week. For per-diem positions, like clinical nutrition consults or direct telehealth sessions, the variation in hourly pay can widen significantly. Entry-level dietitians may expect to see rates starting from $20.84, while more experienced professionals can command $40.17 per hour, highlighting the potential for substantial earning based on skill level and setting.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.84 | $166.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.12 |
| Median (P50) | $32.13 | $257.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.05 | $288.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.17 | $321.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $32.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.13/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $66,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,551. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,285.04 | $5,568 | $66,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $771.02 | $3,341 | $40,093 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.01 | $2,227 | $26,729 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Lexington) | $32.13 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $66,813 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.83% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $70,701.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.13/hr = $40,093/year (purchasing power: $43,818).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,822/year (purchasing power: $73,029).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lexington grew 24.7% from $24.80/hr (2019) to $30.92/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.38/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Focusing on the different payment structures available in the dietetic field, part-time dietitians and nutritionists might see modest annual incomes compared to their full-time counterparts, who benefit from more stable hours and benefits. Many professionals in Lexington choose to work per diem due to the flexibility it affords—though they must navigate varying pay rates, which typically range from $50 to $80 per hour. However, niche consulting roles in sports nutrition can reach between $80 and $150 per hour, while cash-pay private practice professionals could bill clients $150 to $300 per session. Cost-benefit analysis comes into play, as those entering full-time positions may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. To maximize their hourly earnings, dietitians and nutritionists should be adept at negotiation, clearly communicating their qualifications and unique offerings to potential employers, whether in hospital settings, private practice, or corporate wellness programs throughout Lexington.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Lexington?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Lexington?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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